OS News Issue 143

ISSUE 142 • JUNE 2022

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE OLD STORTFORDIAN SOCIETY

OS News - Issue 142 June 2022

Contact Us

Welcome

OS President: Chris Forster cmaforster@talk21.com

After two unprecedented years away, we are back with a bumper edition to celebrate the 50th anniversary of OS News. After such a lengthy gap since the last edition, we hope you enjoy catching up on all the news from Bishop’s Stortford and indeed from OS around the world.

Director of Development: Britt Ellice Britt.Ellice@bishopsstortfordcollege.org Tel: (01279) 838655 Community Coordinator: Jennifer Law Jennifer.Law@bishopsstortfordcollege.org Tel: (01279) 838348 Development Officer: Wendy Dodd Wendy.Dodd@bishopsstortfordcollege.org Tel: 07483 064346 Consultant Editor: John Rycroft John.Rycroft50@gmail.com Tel: (01424) 552104 OS Benevolent Fund: Richard Price richard@price-central.com Tel: (01279) 657675 OS Golf Society: James Greenall (Hon. Secretary / Treasurer) osgolfsociety@gmail.com Tel: 07836 714917 OS Lodge No. 5721: Stephen Appelman (Hon. Secretary) scatali@aol.com Tel: (01279) 506785 OS Swimming Club: Nick Reynolds (Hon. Secretary) nickreynolds@me.com Tel: 07961 048913 OS Staff Liaison Office: Simon Lipscombe Simon.Lipscombe@bishopsstortfordcollege.org Back issues of OS News can be viewed online by visiting the Foundation website https://stortfordianfoundation.org Submission of articles: We welcome articles for inclusion in future issues.

Please bear in mind that it is not possible to include all contributions and we reserve the right to revise articles as necessary. All copy and photographs should be sent to alumni@bishopsstortfordcollege.org or School House, Maze Green Road, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 2PQ. Cover Photo – Jennifer Law Other photographic contributions made from: Marketing Department, Jennifer Law, Ian Taylor, Paul Harding, Steve Beeston www.facebook.com/stortfordianfoundation/ @stortfordian The Stortfordian Foundation www.instagram.com/stortfordianfoundation/ www.stortfordianfoundation.org

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With Covid restrictions easing, we have begun welcoming visitors back to campus for events, which has been wonderful. Recent highlights include the fabulous Starlight Dinner benefitting the Stortfordian Bursary Fund which you can read more about on page 10, and the joyous Diamond Dinner gathering featured on page 54. The 2022-23 event programme is our most ambitious yet. Details are listed on the back cover – there is something to appeal to everyone in next year’s exciting programme.

We are so pleased to introduce a new member of the Stortfordian Foundation Team, Wendy Dodd, who has joined us from a previous career in the accounting technology industry. Wendy has quickly become an integral part of the team since she joined in October 2021 as Development Officer. As our primary point of contact in the office, you may already have had the pleasure of engaging with Wendy on the phone or by e-mail. She is looking forward to getting to know more of the OS Community at upcoming events and gatherings.

We are delighted to say that since the launch of the Stortfordian Foundation website, we have had well over 1200 of our community sign up to the portal. On our site you can find and contact long-lost friends, see OS and College news, join one of our Community Clubs, read and share stories and memories, browse and book upcoming events, view the digital archive, network and search for jobs or mentors, and much more. If you haven’t joined, please visit www. stortfordianfoundation.org and do so today, where you will receive a warm welcome. If you haven’t visited lately, have a look at what is new.

We are incredibly grateful to the OS who have submitted content for this fantastic edition, and we look forward to seeing you very soon at one of our upcoming events!

Kind regards Britt Ellice Director of Development The Stortfordian Foundation

OS News - Issue 142 June 2022

Head’s Welcome It’s a privilege to introduce my first edition of OS News. I couldn’t be prouder to be Head of Bishop’s Stortford College; a wonderful school, as you know, with emphasis on high quality teaching and learning and where the examination results speak for themselves.

What truly sets the College apart for me, is the tangible sense of community that I know you will identify with; Old Stortfordians are such an integral part of our past, present and future. As an OS, your support and involvement in the development of the College of tomorrow is invaluable.

This year marked an important milestone in the evolution of the College, as we shared our vision for ensuring ‘excellence today and tomorrow’. The strategic objectives and projects on page 4 of this publication are based on observations and feedback gathered from community. Through them we will all play a part in creating an educational experience that continues to shine for the next 150 years and beyond.

As Stortfordians we have a proud history of contributing meaningfully to the world in which we live.

Preparing the next generations to make their mark with confidence and poise is a privilege – and I thank you for all that you continue to do to support this work.

The Stortfordian Foundation is of course primarily focused on cultivating and nurturing our thriving global community. The work of Britt, Jennifer and Wendy brought some brilliant highlights for OS to this year’s calendar. From our first Giving Day, to a variety of OS Sporting events, as well as several wonderful alumni reunions,

networking events, afternoon teas and lunches, OS had many chances to gather together this year. The Starlight Dinner in March was surely the pinnacle of the programme, with 140 OS, parents and Governors enjoying music, dancing and fireworks on campus in a brilliant show of support for the College.

I do hope that you enjoy this special edition of OS News after an unavoidable covid-induced delay to the publication schedule. Thank you for your continued support and for all the positive messages of solidarity that have reached us here over the most difficult two

years that the College has seen in generations. The future remains bright for Bishop’s Stortford College and next year’s Foundation programme is already set to be the best ever, with something available for everyone. I would urge you to continue engaging with the Stortfordian Foundation in any way that you can, whether that is by attending events, corresponding with the team, volunteering, through social media or by enjoying our online news and content. I treasure the opportunity to meet Old Stortfordians each time I have the chance, and I look forward to meeting even more of you over the next few years.

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OS News - Issue 142 June 2022

DELIVERING E XCELLENCE, T O D AY A N D T O M O R R O W …

We are pleased to share our vision for ensuring ‘excellence today and tomorrow’. The core aims and objectives below form the College’s strategy.

Each is to be supported by projects that will sustain the College’s proud history of innovation.

Academic Excellence

Strong Personal Values

Our curriculum does not stand still.

We are committed to ensuring it is current and delivers pupils ready for their future lives and roles. Instilling a love of learning and developing intellectual curiosity are the cornerstones of excellent teaching and learning at Bishop’s Stortford College; our teachers will continue to empower our pupils to achieve outstanding results.

Nurturing integrity and strong values through outstanding pastoral care is of immense importance to us. Pupils learn the importance of tolerance, inclusivity and respect for others and will be aspirational about the contribution they make to our community and the wider world.

Supporting Projects: •

Conduct a comprehensive review of the school week to ensure teaching time is optimized and connected across all three schools

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Extensively examine the range and choice of subjects taught across the College to ensure our curriculum best prepares pupils to positively engage and contribute to a modern society and workplace

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Foster the very best pupil support provision – from Learning Support to assessment and tracking and ensure smooth transition between schools

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Develop a whole College pedagogical culture that teaches pupils how to learn and embeds a digital curriculum which is responsive to changing technologies

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Supporting Projects: •

Develop an educational programme that challenges bias in all forms and focuses on inclusion, diversity and understanding of cultural heritage

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Develop and embed a whole College approach to promoting positive behaviours which priorotise mental wellbeing

OS News - Issue 142 June 2022

Finding the Best in Every Pupil Our pupils are treated as individuals. We will make it our mission to find and develop each pupil’s unique strengths by providing a broad curriculum and co-curriculum. Our pupils should always have exciting and varied opportunities to find fulfillment at the College, enabling them to become skillful, happy young people who have confidence for life.

Attracting Ambitious and Enthusiastic Pupils and Communicating about College Life Our reputation for excellence will grow through a purposeful and well delivered strategy, ensuring a healthy demand for boarding and day places.

Supporting Projects:

Supporting Projects:

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Define and communicate the Bishop’s Stortford College brand and streamline all College communications.

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Increase access to a Bishop’s Stortford College education through delivery of a comprehensive bursary fundraising strategy. Extend current charitable engagement with our local area and beyond

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Enhance the current alumni engagement programme

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Develop the College’s games provision to encompass sport, health and fitness and provide a modern, multi-purpose sports facility for whole College use Augment the creative arts curriculum at all Key Stages to help pupils understand the world and their part in it and update performance accommodation, providing stimulating environments for creative activity Deliver a vibrant and unique Sixth Form experience for students at the College, increasing opportunities for intellectual growth and the development of skills which equip them for adult life.

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OS News - Issue 142 June 2022

Being a Great Place to Work Our staff are our most important resource.

We will continue to recruit and retain inspirational teachers and highly skilled College Professional Support staff. All staff will be equally valued, supported and developed professionally in their roles.

Enhancing the School Environment The physical learning environment should be of the highest possible quality. We must ensure that our campus continues to support our vibrant learning community.

Supporting Projects:

Supporting Projects:

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Establish and develop a wellbeing programme which values employees, builds community and promotes a healthy work/life balance

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Develop a site plan that optimises the use of current buildings and spaces and minimises the College’s environmental impact

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Ensure professional development is focused on this strategy and delivers excellence at every level

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Add to the built estate where it is needed to support delivery of this strategy

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OS News - Issue 142 June 2022

Maximising our Resources The affordability of fees and the charitable purposes of the College demand efficient and effective use of its resources towards delivering teaching and learning outcomes.

Supporting Project: •

Continue to ensure our financial strategy is affordable whilst delivering an excellent educational experience at all stages of the College.

Inspiring Governance and Leadership The leadership of the College should be accountable, responsible, courageous and have a clear vision.

Supporting Project: •

Establish an assurance framework which supports organisational stewardship and the effective delivery of this strategy.

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OS News - Issue 142 June 2022

A life in the day of: John Birchall (Head of Business & Economics – 1977-2022) Where is home?

Chrishall, near Saffron Walden

Your worst quality?

Getting too involved in lessons

Career?

I enjoyed two years as an Education Officer in an Open Borstal – just wondered how their lives evolved. Then Trinity School, Croydon – wow – first Oxbridge set was 14 and they were all offered a place. One became a Don.

Guilty pleasure?

Chocolate

Career plan B? Development work, which I have been able to do – children meant I stayed in UK. Earliest memory?

Crossing the Mersey, with my Dad for some candy floss in New Brighton – I was born in Liverpool.

Strongest memory of time at BSC? Ian Aldridge, I often think of him.

Biggest lesson learnt at BSC? Do what you think is best for the young people you meet Your best quality?

I hope treating all humans as equals and showing all the hand of friendship

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Who would play you in a movie of your life?

Dustin Hoffman Biggest bugbear?

Bishop’s Stortford traffic Dream dinner party guests?

My family Starstruck moment?

Zambia – when Jon Snow beamed in to start my first Shaping our Future Conference Top of your bucket list?

Don’t think I have one Biggest inspiration?

My Dad and Patricia my wife Philosophy?

Try never to judge others till you have enjoyed a conversation Where would you time travel to?

Tomorrow Biggest regret?

Not completing my PhD – maybe in retirement?

What advice would you give a 2022 BSC Leaver?

Be happy and content – enjoy family life Future Plans?

Writing, Zambia – Shaping Our Future – focusing on sustainability and the role of female environmentalists. ZOOMING lectures to two African universities – Sierra Leone and Zambia

OS News - Issue 142 June 2022

College News Message from the OS President I hope you enjoy reading this newsletter, the first since the pandemic. It’s been a very strange couple of years, and just when you think the world is getting back to some degree of normality, in steps Comrade Putin.

long term, very active committee member. He had a great love of our school and it was fitting that his wonderful memorial service was held in the Memorial Hall in February, attended by many Old Stortfordians.

The OS Committee continued to meet during lockdown over Zoom, before finally having our first face to face gathering a few months ago. The greatest change has been the loss of our dear friend Stuart Findlay, a past OS President and

In my final year as President, the 50th year since the OS Society was formed out of the Old Stortfordians Club, I shall be working with the Committee to see how the OS Society can add more value to the school.

I visit the school regularly and you will be pleased to hear that it is a thriving community. Regular events or reunions have re-started and it would be lovely to welcome you back so that you can see the changes that have gone on since you left.

I look forward to seeing many of you in the year ahead.

Chris Forster MJH,SuH, 82-90 OS President 2015-17 & 2021-23

Thanks to our Donors, the first Stortfordian Bursary Award has been conferred for 2022-23!

Due to the overwhelming generosity shown from our fundraising Stortfordian Community in fundraising for bursaries through a variety of different appeals this past year, we are enormously proud to announce that the Head of Bishop’s Stortford College, Mrs. Crewe-Read, was recently able to make the first Stortfordian Bursary Award.

Izzy T is an outstanding pupil who will be joining the Lower Sixth cohort in September, and she is looking forward to all the activities, opportunities and academic rigor that the College offers. Izzy’s passion is Biology, and so she is especially thrilled to have the chance to study Biology for A-level at Bishop’s Stortford College. Thank you to all the donors who have already supported our bursary scheme, and by extension Izzy– we have been overwhelmed by how Old Stortfordians and other

donors have seized the chance to let someone shine among our brilliant pupil community through their generous response to our fundraising appeals.

If you would like to help more children receive the opportunity to attend Bishop’s Stortford College on a full bursary basis, there are lots of ways to support our fundraising efforts for this wonderful cause each year.

Consider marking your time at BSC with a beautiful bespoke engraved Walkway Stone, by giving a one-off gift, or signing up to be a regular donor; more information is located online at stortfordianfoundation.org/ supportus. You could also take part in one of our wonderful events such as Giving Day in November, or by rallying a table of friends to attend the next Gala Dinner in March 2023. We are here to help; contact us to

find out more about all these options and more on foundation@ bishopsstortfordcollege.org.

As ever, if you know someone who would benefit from a bursary at Bishop’s Stortford College, contact bursary@bishopsstortfordcollege. org where a team member can provide advice on taking this forward.

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OS News - Issue 142 June 2022

Glorious inaugural Giving Day In November 2021 the global Stortfordian community came together in support of the Stortfordian Foundation’s first ever Giving Day in aid of the Stortfordian Bursary Fund. The digital fundraising campaign shared engaging video and written content across the Foundation’s social media and Youtube channel, attracting support from 237 donors from 10 countries raising an outstanding £53,696 which was match funded by the College to reach £107,392.

It has always been our belief that bursaries are crucial for supporting talented children from less advantaged backgrounds who would thrive at Bishop’s Stortford College given the opportunity to do so. Bishop’s Stortford College already prioritises accessibility, supporting over 50 pupils with some form of means-

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tested financial assistance, including some where full fees are covered, but the past 2 years have only made this case stronger and more relevant than ever before.

We often hear stories of Old Stortfordians who have benefitted from financial assistance during their time at the College and have then gone on to achieve great things. We believe that a Bishop’s Stortford College education continues to be a powerful lever when it comes to tackling issues of social mobility, and we would like to be able to do more. Enabling enrolment for brilliant potential pupils who do not otherwise have the means to access a College Education helps us to welcome pupils whose drive and achievements compliment our existing strengths and further enhance the dynamic of our student body.

Beginning in 2021, in partnership with our generous donor community, we hope to raise £195,000 each year, enough to offer two new places annually, one at 11+ and one at 16+.

These places will be fully funded by donations for the lifetime of the pupil’s education, and if necessary will include provision for uniform, sports kit, and other expenses, to ensure no barriers to success exist. The current funding requirement for a place at Prep School through to Sixth Form completion is £151,000, and £44,000 will fund one pupil’s Sixth Form education.

We stand committed to improving the outcomes for as many bright young pupils as we can going forward, and wish to invite our community to join us in making this a significant philanthropic priority as we host our second Giving Day on 23rd & 24th November 2022.

OS News - Issue 142 June 2022

College News Stortfordian Volunteering Opportunities We are seeking to fill a variety of newly created volunteer roles.

Are you able to help?

Grant & Trust Researcher – Are you passionate about Bishop’s Stortford College and its history and heritage? We are seeking a volunteer Grant and Trust Researcher who can help us to identify and potentially assist with applications for funding from grants and trusts which will assist our fundraising aims and help to preserve the heritage sites at the College.

Mentors – Have you found success in your field and wish to help others who are just starting out? Consider volunteering as a mentor and helping others in our community by sharing the benefit of your experience.

We are also always interested in identifying guest speakers to inspire

our Sixth Form.

Guest Writers – We gratefully receive fresh content submissions for our digital and print communications. If you have an interesting biography, or a story of interest to share, we would love to consider publishing your work.

Event Champions – Are you an influencer in your Old Stortfordian social circle? We are looking for individuals to champion our sporting, business networking, and charity events by attending, publicising, and encouraging attendance or bringing guests along to our programme of activities.

Regional Contacts – We have the ambition to begin holding regional events across the UK and across the globe to gather and connect OS where they live. To make this

a reality we will need enthusiastic regional coordinators who can work with us to help arrange events away from the College.

Raffle & Auction Prize Researchers – Can you help us to obtain appealing raffle and auction prizes?

The success of some of our events positively depends on the wonderful prizes we are able to source from generous donors. We would welcome more volunteers who are able to think of creative ways to engage with local businesses or identify individuals who may have exceptional prizes to offer in support of the Stortfordian mission.

For more information, or to apply for any of the volunteering opportunities, please contact foundation@ bishopsstortfordcollege.org

The Stortfordian Walkway To mark the prominent role of Old Stortfordians past, present and future, we invite you to commemorate your time at Bishop’s Stortford College in perpetuity by commissioning a bespoke hand carved York stone paver.

A gift of £1000 or more will secure your stone for the next 150 years and beyond and your gift will go towards the Stortfordian Foundation Bursary Fund.

Visit stortfordianfoundation.org/ supportus to reserve your stone and the Stortfordian Foundation Team will be in touch to discuss particulars.

It is a fitting tribute to our heritage that The Stortfordian Walkway is located in front of our beautifully renovated School House. The College has its very origins in School House which has become the heart of the campus.

Exclusively for Old Stortfordians of all ages, we invite you to reserve a stone. The official celebration of The Stortfordian Walkway will be held in the Autumn.

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OS News - Issue 142 June 2022

College News Starlight Dinner In March we hosted our first ever gala fundraising event, The Starlight Dinner, in aid of the Stortfordian Bursary Fund.

Spirits were lifted on a drizzly evening with a marquee sparkling reception and a delightful performance from a talented singer and pianist. The Memorial Hall was transformed into a stunning gala venue and our guests enjoyed an evening of delicious food and exquisite wine, accompanied by the soothing tones of world renowned Jazz musician Chris Dean and his big band playing from the balcony.

A fascinating fireside chat with British Lions, Jason Leonard OBE, Matt Perry and Brad Barritt set the mood before our live and silent auctions got underway – jovial competitiveness amongst bidders resulted in an outstanding fundraising total on the night. The wonderful evening was topped off with fireworks illuminating our stunning campus and guests dancing the rest of the night away to a fabulous live band in the marquee.

We are delighted that, thanks to the exceptional support of our guests and community, the Live and Silent Auctions raised in excess of £80,000 to help create a bursary place for a local child.

We extend a heartfelt thanks to our donors for their astonishing generosity which enables The Stortfordian Foundation to continue its goal to fully fund two bursary places every year to the benefit of local children.

Given the current global situation a collection on the evening raised over £1500 for The British Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal.

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Our grateful thanks also go to Rayden Solicitors for sponsoring the sparking drinks reception, in addition to Old Stortfordian and College benefactor Alastair Lukies CBE (GH,AH, 80-90), who so wonderfully facilitated the fireside chat with the former British Lions, before stepping up as Auctioneer.

We are looking forward to next year’s celebration already.

OS News - Issue 142 June 2022

Festival of Literature The Bishop’s Stortford College Festival of Literature including the Picture Book Award was launched in 2008 by the then Prep School Librarian, Rosie Pike, with the aim of encouraging reading for pleasure and inspiring our students. Over the years, the Festival has grown from a week-long event into the current two week extravaganza. The line up has included authors such as Conn Iggulden, the current Poet Laureate, Simon Armitage, Chris Whitaker, Professor Robert Winston and Malorie Blackman.

Last year, the 2021 Festival moved to an online platform due to COVID, no mean feat for the Prep Librarian, Lizzie Hall, with just a few months’ notice and when we began the planning for this year’s 13th Festival of Literature, Lizzie decided to keep it online this year as COVID restrictions were still an unknown factor.

Normally we would begin booking authors and illustrators as soon as we finish a Festival, but Lizzie and I were working a little behind this year due to COVID, and although we maintain a wish list of authors and illustrators for visits, we used our inaugural College Book Award shortlists to help filter our author selection, this also tied the new College book award and the Festival together. As we began the booking process, we checked our author lists against other Festivals happening through the year, to also ensure a level of uniqueness to our Festival we also have a consideration as to where else can we make use of these authors in terms of our curriculum and students.

This year we approached David Olusoga to be our headline author. We were looking for someone who could not only talk about books but also bring current events into the discussion, it made him a perfect option.

For our Sixth Form audience we invited Lisa Jewell, the New York Times bestselling author, and our Sixth Form book club had the chance to chat with Lisa privately before Claire Bond interviewed her for the Festival. Our Sixth form students undertook the interview of Alex Wheatle, the award-winning author of Liccle Bit and Cane Warriors, we had never offered this as an option before, but they read his books, produced questions, and had a practice interview session, it worked well and they had a fabulous time once the nerves disappeared. They have volunteered to do it again next year! Authors Robert Muchamore, Phil Earle and Katie & Kevin Tsang all took part in discussions with students in book club sessions this year, after being interviewed for the Festival. It was an opportunity for our students to ask authors questions about their writing styles and inspiration.

We are lucky enough to have willing staff to interview various authors, I took part as an interviewer and spoke to Phil Earle and Robert Muchamore. The work involved in the preparation for these interviews makes us extremely grateful to our staff for not only the extra work they undertake prior to the interview but also for being prepared to put themselves through what is usually an unknown and slightly nerve-wracking process.

As part of the Festival of Literature the Senior School hosts a Literature Live event and award-winning crime writer Chris Whitaker attended the College as our judge and signed books for all the participants. It was great to have an in-person visit.

We have already begun the Picture Book Award process for 2023, where six staff read 80 books over two weeks, before voting for their favourite. The scores are collated to form a shortlist. The publishers are then kind enough to send us 10 copies of the shortlisted books, which we share with local schools who could not otherwise afford to take part in the Picture Book Award. All students from PrePrep and Prep schools take part in the vote for the winning book.

The one huge advantage of hosting an online Festival means we can interview authors from other parts of the world and fit in with their timings. Our 14th Festival of Literature will be a hybrid event involving not only online interviews but also some in person visits. It will be great to welcome authors and illustrators back to the College for the Festival of Literature.

Sara Bloomfield College Librarian

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OS News - Issue 142 June 2022

Home News Enjoying Retirement in Cyprus It’s exactly two and a half years since I retired out here to Cyprus - so much has happened since then but I feel that I have adapted to the much less hectic way of life out here extremely well. I have been back to the UK and the College several times since retirement (the most recent being to act as quizmaster in the inter-schools’ annual quiz on the 14th March 2022 whilst I was on jury service).

I thought everyone might be interested to see that I managed to catch up with another 2019 retiree from BSC when the whole Dickinson family were out here last summer. This is a picture of Linda Dickinson (Head of Sixth Form, 00-19) and I at one of my favourite restaurants in Kathikas, a small village about 20 mins from where I live.

Apart from compiling a daily 25 question general

knowledge quiz that gets sent to many groups/individuals globally (today’s was number 644) and feeding a dozen or so cats several times a day, life is certainly much less taxing than before I took early retirement.

Mike Tomkys (Head of Media Studies, 87-19)

Musical Memories What a joy to return to school to help celebrate the 90th birthday of my music master, Christopher Bishop.

friends some of which I hadn’t seen since I left BSC in 1966.

In my year as President of the Old Stortfordians I hosted the annual dinner at King’s College, Cambridge where Christopher had taken us to hear Evensong during the winter of 1961. On that evening he presented me with an envelope which contained a recording he had never told me about, made in the Memorial Hall at a school concert, and to my amazement I heard myself as a boy treble singing two of Benjamin Britten’s folk songs, Little Sir William & Sweet Polly Oliver.

Thank you Christopher for being a massive inspiration.

I had no idea that he had placed a microphone under the grand piano & was astounded to hear myself as a boy all those years on.

To return his kindness I had the recording remastered & sent him a copy on CD! He said it all but reduced him to tears - the same affect it had on me when I got home after the night in Cambridge.

It was a joy to see a number of old

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Andy Peebles (GH,HH,60-66)

OS News - Issue 142 June 2022

A trip down memory lane I entered Grimwade House as a boarder in 1941 in the depths of WW2 and recall the cold!

We were under the tutelage of Norman Monk-Jones, who rather scandalously was known to subscribe to ‘The Red Flag’, the communist daily, but he was an excellent teacher and encouraged my interest in plants.

Hence I finished up doing botany

at Cambridge and going in to agricultural research, specializing in weed control in third world agriculture. This developed into a specialization in parasitic weeds which cause vast losses to agriculture in Africa and the Middle East. I retired in 1990, but continued to be involved in the subject. At age 90 last year I was invited to publish a

paper reviewing my career in the topic. I live in Bristol and would love to hear from any surviving contemporaries. They might have known me as ‘Bardolph’ – I was rather chuffed to be known thus rather than the more predictable ‘Nosy’.

Chris Parker (GH,SHb, 41-49)

Benson Summer Gathering In June 2021 after a year dominated by the COVID pandemic Lucy Minichiello (BH,13-18), former Head of Benson House organised a reunion of the 2013-2018 cohort.

It was a wonderful evening filled with much laughter, amusing memories from their time at the College and updates about their lives since. Following in the same vein, Emily Lynch (WH,BH,06-15), another former Joint Head of Benson House, with Saskia Potts (MJH,BH,04-15) organised a lunch for the Benson House OS of 2010-2015 in August. Again, laughter was in no short supply and it was simply delightful to hear six years on about the different paths they had choosen to take in life. They were all pursuing their dreams, whilst remaining true to themselves. To say I was proud, was an understatement. They really were living true to the Benson moto ‘dare to be different’ in a world that so regularly challenges us to be otherwise.

Emma Chaplin (Staff 2007- ) – Benson House Reunion – June 2021

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OS News - Issue 142 June 2022

Home News Greetings from France!

Having decided not to stay or go on to Uni, Chris joined the Austrian Specialist Tour Operator F & W Ingham at their London West End office in Bond Street.

From January 1954 until April 1956 Chris worked alongside a team of Austrian medical students who earned a living working on the Ingham Winter sport special weekend trains. In the summer Chris organised the weekly Dakota DC3 charter flight from Croydon or Gatwick to Innsbruck and Salzburg and back, all in all 8 hours in this ex WW2 aircraft.

In April 1956 National Service beckoned and he was posted to the Royal Engineer’s training regiment at Gt Malvern then after learning what was called the ‘Sapper’ trades including mine disposal, booby traps, bailey bridging, demolitions, blowing up railway lines he was posted to The Longmoor Military Railway and the Army’s Movement Control School where he was trained as an corporal instructor. On (demob) in April 1958 he was transferred to the AER where he was commissioned as a 2Lt. Fast forward to the late 1960s and 1970s Chris was soon drawn into the family building business.In February 1991 after the company ran into difficulties and ceased trading Chris moved to France and that is where he lives today.

Not the bit where the millionaires keep their super yachts but the bit where ‘The Knights Templar’ established their fortified villages, after the Romans built their amphitheatres in Arles, Nimes and elsewhere and more recently

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where Dan Brown was inspired to write the Da Vinci code.

His time studying French under Walter Strachan and German with Timothy Davies gave him a wide understanding of life on the preEU continent.

In 1992 Chris started to write articles for the UK based WagonsLits Society’s quarterly magazine.

Wagons-lits was the abbreviated name for CIWL – La Compagnie Internationale des WagonsLits. CIWL launched the Orient Express in1883. Jump to 1998 when the Wagons-Lits Society stopped publishing their magazine, Chris started to write for the Nene Valley Railway’s IRPs CIWL magazine When the NVR stopped their magazine due to pressure of their own restoration work, Chris joined forces with Brendan Martin and now Dirk Frielingsdorf to

become the editor of the Amis des Wagons-Lits quarterly magazine that follows both the past and present of the CIWL, their many famous trains such as the Orient Express, Golden Arrow, Blue Train, Night Ferry plus plus. Today almost 50 years after CIWL stopped operating their trains there are still some 370 of their carriages scattered all over Europe and the Far East.

This new Amis des Wagons-Lits venture has a strong following and anyone who is interested can contact Chris for a sample copy, it is free but in a pdf format.

Chris also wrote a 16 page fully illustrated article about his rerun in January 2004 of his train journeys Chris can be contacted at elliott. chris@gmx.com Chris Elliott (GH,DBH, 48-53)

OS News - Issue 142 June 2022

Home News Life after Bishops Stortford College?

The BSC Years are, of course, to prepare you for the rest of your life. (As did Grimwade House and School House/’B’ Dorm). I am now in my 80’s -so what’s it been all about?

Local Government Service is not very obviously a sexy approach to life, but it sure as hell is needed.

For me it has been the dominant part of my working life.

It was never short of people and their problems and was built up with colleagues, friends, ‘clients’ and challenges. In preparation I qualified as an architect and also collected a Masters in Urban Design from Edinburgh Uni. I was employed as an architect in South

Africa (and explored the country on my BSA 650). The World Bank employed me partnered with Ordnance Survey in a project working with the King of Lesotho.

Returning home I was delighted to settle down with textile designer Jacky. Family followed (hello Anna and Alex) and life rolled on: for a number of years I was employed as Director of Planning (and other) Services in a number of Authorities, including St Helens, Wigan and Southampton.

But work and no play is not acceptable. I played rugby for a combined Notts, Lincs and Derby side. Sailing, however became a major release from local

Government. Our own 28ft sloop took us through out the English Channel and French, Scottish and Welsh coastlines. We also chartered in the Far East but sadly no longer own our own.

Books and lectures followed, as did retirement. With retirement came Probus, U3A and Neighbour care to fill the gap. But my mind still wanders back to Stortford and the grounding it gave me as well as the lovely staff and friends who were very much part of that. Will I see you soon ? Have you changed a·great deal?

Love to you aII! Don Wark (GH,SHb, 49-58)

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Home News

An OS Olympian Story The whole College community is immensely proud of our very own Old Stortfordian Olympian Elinah Phillip (BH, 15-19). The Tokyo Olympics may have been hosted nearly 6000 miles from Bishop’s Stortford but Olympic fever couldn’t have been stronger amongst the Stortfordian Community as we supported our very own OS Olympian from afar.

Hugely talented and dedicated, Elinah competed in her second straight Olympic Games previously having finished 48th in prelims of the 50 freestyle at the 2016 Rio Games when she was just

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16. Having been awarded the additional honour of flag bearing at Tokyo 2020 Olympic opening ceremony, she was part of the three-athlete team competing for the British Virgin Islands.

Elinah competed in the Olympic 50m freestyle heats on Friday 30th July 2021 and finished 2nd in her heat in a time of 25.74 – setting a new Personal Best time. Overall she finished 34th in a field of 81.

Cheering her on from across the miles, the Stortfordian Community is incredibly proud of all that Elinah has achieved and confident that she will inspire

future generations of Stortfordians in the pool.

(Olympics Photo Credit: Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)

OS News - Issue 142 June 2022

Home News Celebrating happy memories of Bishop’s Stortford College in the 1950’s Timothy J. Moore (GH,RPH, 53 – 60) sends in photographs from his time at the College and recalls a particularly strong memory of RPH:

GH / BSC Prep Rugby XV. Wood, Charnley, Barnard, Gregory, Madsen, Ivory, Bennett, Lambert, Cave, Robinson, Bolland Jackson, Tim Moore, Fishpool

It was tradition for newcomers to the Senior Dormitory in RPH to have to recite the Bishops Stortford College song – ‘Heroes’ – on top of a pile of luggage trunks being wobbled madly in an effort to dislodge the person on top. It took place at the end of term as that was the time everyone’s luggage trunk was brought up to the dormitory for the boys to pack with all the uniforms and personal effects ready to go home the next day.

Bottom to top left side: Graham Bennell, Smith, Tim Moore, Coleman On the right: Paul Stebbings.

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Home News My OS Reunions James Mattison (RPH,55-59) I still live at Burnham on Crouch where I see Tim Herring (SHb 49-55) on a weekly basis. I usually meet Duncan Heath (RPH 4956) on his 80ft Motor Yacht in the South of France or for lunch, either here or in Monaco, where he lives. We used to shoot together but I am afraid my legs stopped me doing that about 3 years ago, but I think Duncan is fine even though he had half a lung removed about 9 months ago.

I also meet Richard Wallis (AH,5054) for lunch once a month. Here is a photo of us both.

A good measure of OS rivalry!

Old College 1st XV & OS Under 23 team mates OS Joseph Radley (NH,SuH,09-20) and OS Charles Favell (GH,RPH, 13-20) found themselves on opposing rugby teams when Bishop’s Stortford Blues faced Cambridge University in a friendly fixture.

Playing at the Cambridge University Rugby ground on Monday 24th January, Joe emerged on the winning team as Bishop’s Stortford won the fixture 14-5.

Proud to see Joe & Charles displaying competitive rivalry on the rugby pitch and friendship afterwards.

Wishing both Joseph and Charles continued success in their rugby careers!

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Photo of Tim Herring and I at the Aldeburgh Yacht Club where we went for a luncheon on Friday 22nd April

OS News - Issue 142 June 2022

Home News Knock Scholarship Summer 2021 Last summer, I was awarded the Knock Scholarship for Biomedical Research. The trust was set up in memory of Surgeon Lieutenant Douglas Alexander Knock of the Royal Navy, who was killed, aged 27 in November 1950 during the Korean War whilst tending those wounded. He was a member of Alliott House (1934-40), and after his passing the fund was formed to support current and Old Stortfordians with their biomedical research.

The scholarship funded an 8-week placement in Sir Venki Ramakrishnan’s lab at the Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge University. Venki is a multi-awardwinning scientist, known for his work deducing the structure of the ribosome, which is responsible for producing all the protein inside the body. Most notably, he won the 2009 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work which he continues today with a laboratory group with academics from India, Spain, Germany, China and Portugal.

Recently, it was discovered that a fault in mRNA, the instruction manual used to make the proteins, results in a signature chemical repeat that is implicated in over 40 neurological disorders. This mistake is present in 40% of hereditary amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and

frontotemporal dementia cases.

However, the fault is poorly understood, and the mechanism for how the toxic proteins are translated from the mRNA is unknown.

Therefore, my project used state of the art cryo-electron microscopy tools (this tool won the 2017 Nobel prize) to start to determine the structure of the complex with the mRNA attached to the ribosome just before it begins making the protein. The project began with making the mRNA to assemble into the complex, which took many weeks. Then structural analysis was started and successfully gained a 2D image, where multiple of these is used to make a 3D image.

The work is being continued by my supervisor Doctor Jailson Brito Querido and once a structure is found, it will allow the development of specific therapeutic targets that can inhibit the production of the protein, reducing the progress of diseases like dementia.

Without this scholarship, I could not have completed this project in Venki Ramakrishnan’s lab and as a result, I have developed the skills for postgraduate study which I am currently applying. In the future, I hope to continue my research career in structural biology but applied to

Me and the poster for the event where Venki revealed the structure of the small subunit of the ribosome, which he got the Nobel prize for membrane proteins which are the target for over 50% of drugs.

Thank you to Britt Ellice and Jennifer Law for all their work in providing this funding for me.

Peter-Rory Hall (GH,HH, 12-19) STOP PRESS: Since the time of writing, we have been informed that Peter-Rory has been offered a place as a Skaggs-Oxford Scholar, which is a double doctorate programme, gaining one PhD from the University of Oxford and another from Scripps Research Institute in California. He will start at Oxford and then move to California, studying membrane biophysics and biotechnology. Congratulations Peter-Rory on your fantastic achievement!

The whole group at the summer picnic

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Home News Where are they now?

I joined Upper Shell at the College in 2006 progressing through to the Senior School where I joined School House. I initially started as a flexi boarder, but after two weeks I was hooked! I became a weekly boarder from then on and loved it, I would recommend it to everyone. The majority of my peers stayed on after GCSE’s and took their A levels but I chose to undertake a BTEC in Agriculture at Hartpury College in Gloucestershire. Following three years at Hartpury, I remained in Gloucestershire and attended the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) in Cirencester.

I graduated with a First Class Honours Degree in Applied Farm Management and have since joined Hazlewoods, a top 25 UK accountancy firm. I am currently studying for my ACA qualification to gain Chartered status.

I have always had a very keen interest in business and I am sure there are some people reading this that will remember my egg business, ‘Austen’s Eggs’, that I set up in my latter years at BSC. I built up a regular clientele and had weekly orders.

One fond memory from BSC was sitting in a physics lesson where I found myself calculating a gross margin for Christmas trees and

working out how many I would need to sell to break even, clearly getting distracted from atomic structure and radioactive decay! I often reminisce about my days at the College and definitely believe it lives up to its ethos ‘Building confidence for life’ which has held me in good stead for my career and personal life.

Austen Penfold (WH,SH, 06-14)

The Rook Family Old Stortfordians W N Rook, N S Rook (Sha,1917-20), E N Rook (Sha, 50-54) Forty years on or perhaps 50, 60 or even 70 for some of us, but OS never forget their time at The College. My contact started when my great grandfather became Non-Conformist Minister in Thaxted from 1848 to 1879 having some nine children. A difficult time when Church of England Clergy refused burial to Dissenters and foundations for education were very active. It is likely that he would have had some impact when Stortford was founded sending one of his sons who became one of the very early OS Presidents. His

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younger brother, my Grandfather, also sent his son N S Rook (SHa 1917-20) and my father joined in 1917. I made up the trio in 1950.

Term began on a Monday so most of us were returned to school on Sunday afternoon by car with our trunk of all the belongings needed.

No phones, computers, laptops etc and everything carefully marked with name and house with Cash’s name tags (are they still made?).

Dad was not so fortunate as in 1917 not many families had cars so it was steam train from home and horse and trap from Stortford

station to the school. And Masters were a collection of odd, keen but interesting people. Teddy Wall was at school in 1919 (in 1919 picture of 2nd XV they are the two bottom row on the left of the picture) and Charles Mellows (Chas) was very much the life of the school, but suffered badly during the first world war and shell shock had taken its toll. He was a fine and enthusiastic teacher, a bit unpredictable and for anyone who got out of line it was The Dungeon they went, only the cupboard under Chas’s desk where the miscreant would remain for ten

OS News - Issue 142 June 2022

Home News minutes, on release was given one blow with a wooden sword which he then signed on the blade… The authorities would have had a field day.

Lessons delivered by Mr Hayward, the Chemistry Master, were fun with an enormous bicycle. His lessons were fun with plenty of practical experiments, his pièce de résistance was only performed once a term and was the electrolysis of water to its two parts Hydrogen and oxygenquite an explosive mixture. The gas was collected in a stout glass bottle and placed in a box and covered with sand and sawdust, just in case of breakage. The cork was removed and a lighted taper lit the gas, a blue sheet of flame and the most earsplitting bang. No goggles gloves or safety of any sort... can’t remember anyone complaining!

Once a week, RPH Housemaster Leslie Soady became Captain Soady of the CCF – very much an early Mr Manwaring from Dads Army.

The training proved very useful when most of us, on leaving school, received a brown envelope an invitation, well more of a command, to join the Army, they even sent a train pass, mine was to report to Royal Armoured Corps at Hadrian’s Camp Carlisle. Life at boarding school made the experience quite easy but some of the young men, some of them leaving home for the first time, found the experience difficult. I managed a Commission in The 4th Royal Tank Regiment with BOAR in Germany I thought about the regular Army but the call to join a family firm was difficult to ignore.

Music during my time at Stortford

was very much on the back burner. Only a handful of boys learning instruments and no organ students. I played the viola and could play the piano a bit so Mr Oakley the head of music (we called Reg) allowed me use of the school organ and even to play a few times for morning assembly. We managed to cobble together an orchestra with help from musicians from the staff and town. The organ has been my lifelong interest and after the decline in trade in early 1990 and many businesses, including ours, closing I was able to spend the rest of my working life in the organ trade- cleaning, building, tuning

and building new instruments, and at 86 I still go out to give a hand when required.

The last act at Stortford when leaving was The Charge read out by the head Arthur Evans, known as The Good Man. He retired and became Vicar of Hove Parish Church “Go forth into this world render to no man evil for evil, be of good courage, support the faint hearted etc.”

Good advice to last a lifetime!

SOLI DEO GLORIA Edward Rook (SHa, 50-54)

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Home News College Cadet Force Camp 1955 Update Richard Wood (GH,AH, 49-56) responds to Robert Mather’s (GH,DBH, 50-55) cadet article from our last edition: I was one of the cadets on the Wuppertal trip and his account jogged my memory. I remember the night exercise and not being able to see any movement in the dark and being hissed at by one of the instructors to get a flare sent up even if I could not see anything.

Being a truthful innocent I said I could not see anyone moving and then a few minutes later was “killed” by a group who appeared out of thin air. I also recollect being sprawled exhausted on the side of a track (as in one of Robert’s photos) when some of the top brass came past and spoke to us. We replied politely and later received a rocket for not having leapt to our feet and saluted.

The trip to Cologne was very memorable as I recollect the cathedral being surrounded by rubble and this was 10 years after the war. I took a photograph of the scene but cannot find it. We also nearly failed to get back to the pick up point as we were trying to catch a tram but were waiting on the wrong side of the stop. They were driving on the wrong side of the road as far as we were concerned!!

Overall it was an interesting experience and a year later I was called up for my National Service which I opted to do in the Royal Artillery, which for some reason was the favoured choice for Stortfordians at that time. It saw me posted to 50th Medium Regiment Royal Artillery which was en route to Suez when the Americans and Russians intervened in the conflict

and the Regiment was diverted to Cyprus and duties as an infantry regiment. So instead of being driven into battle well behind the lines I had to march/scramble everywhere, very infra dig for an artillery man. When I arrived in Cyprus it was winter and I had expected sunshine and warmth but we were based in the Troodos Mountains which were covered in snow and we had to patrol on skis.

At least it warmed up later on in the year but a few months later they sent us back to our base in Scotland.

Seems a long time ago now.

A photographic view of College life in the 1970’s Tom Ronan – (MJH,HH, 74-81) writes: A few photos taken while I was in the Upper 6th in the Summer of 1981 shortly before I left the College which I thought might be of interest. I recall the table tennis table and record player got quite a bit of use in the days well before the advent of the Internet and social media!

I was at BSC from 1974-81 then enjoyed an ‘eclectic’ career including working in insurance in the City of London and Sotheby’s the auctioneers on Bond Street before moving to Australia following a working

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holiday there with another OS Paul McCullin. Returned to the UK for a few years living in Somerset then Aberdeen before moving back to Australia (again!) in the early 00’s for a few years before returning to the UK in 2012. Still in close contact with Paul McCullin (SuH,77-80) who also had two stints living in Australia now lives in Devon.

Thoroughly enjoyed my years at BSC where I started in the prep school in Monk Jones House through to the Upper 6th (where the photos were taken) in Hayward House.

Tom Ronan – (MJH,HH, 74-81)

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Home News

Myself (on the right) and Paul McCullin (SuH,77-80) in Australia (just a few years after leaving BSC) and one of the two of us taken last year.

From memory the boys in the photo taken from below looking up into Sutton House are from L to R: Nick Purkiss (MJH,SuH, 76-81), Andrew Chastney (MJH,SuH, 72-81) (who sadly passed away in 2017), Tom Ronan (MJH,HH, 74-81), Ian Hammond MJH,SuH,72-81), Richard Jackson (MJH,SuH, 72-81), David Wright (MJH,SuH, 74-81) and Graham Lane (MJH,SuH,73-81).

Common Room of Haywards House shows from L to R: Ian Atherton (MJH,HH, 74-81) (lying on the floor), Ian Silcox-Crowe (MJH,HH, 72-81), unknown (obscured by the newspaper), Tom Ronan (MJH,HH,74-81), Nick Shutes (MJH,HH, 72-81) and Richard Merrison MJH,HH,74-81).

L-R Ian Silcox-Crowe (MJH,HH, 72-81), Tom Ronan (MJH,HH, 74-81), Nick Hall (GH,MJH,HH, 73-81) and Simon James (MJH,HH,72-81).

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OS News - Issue 142 June 2022

THE STORTFORDIAN FOUNDATION BUSINESS DIRECTORY ...why not join?

The College community is full of entrepreneurs and talented business people.

There is no charge for the Business Directory listing and if you would like to include your business in our Directory, please email us at Foundation@bishopsstortfordcollege.org.

Please note, businesses featured in the Directory are not partners of Bishop’s Stortford College and we cannot be held liable for any agreement or contract entered into with the featured businesses.

OS vs College Cricket Food & Drink trucks • Bungee Trampolines • Climbing wall • 9 Hole Crazy Golf • Surf simulator • Segways • Bouncy Castle for Under 5’s • Facepainting • Slime making

Advanced Booking Essential! Tickets £10pp and includes children’s entertainment.

Proceeds go towards the Memorial Hall Organ Fund. Visit StortfordianFoundation.org/event

Stortfordian_FunDay_22_v2.indd 1

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Stortfordian Foundation portal mentoring & career success!

A positive, nurturing and supportive community is at the heart of Stortfordian Foundation activities and we are thrilled to be able to share an inspirational mentoring success story between OS Abby Westell (BH,YH, 95-00) & OS Megan Brown (NH,AH, 11-18) which has lead to a very mutually beneficial outcome.

Megan’s perspective: I felt inspired to write in following my recent positive experience with The Stortfordian Foundation, which enabled me to connect with other OS to receive invaluable career guidance and support.

I left the College in 2018 to study Law at the University of Bristol, which confirmed my desire to pursue a career as a solicitor. After being involved in pro bono work as part of the University of Bristol Law Clinic, I was drawn to family law and began actively searching for job opportunities in this area.

Having no connections in the legal industry, I was keen to get as much guidance as possible.

In April 2021, I received an email from the Stortfordian Foundation inviting me to sign up to the new Careers Portal, offering the opportunity to connect with other OS on a mentoring basis. After searching, I was delighted to see a family solicitor on the platform, OS Abby Westell. I contacted Abby explaining I was eager to pursue a career in family law and she organised a zoom call to discuss further. I discovered that Abby works for Rayden Solicitors, a specialist family law firm which had just opened its 5th regional office in Bishop’s Stortford. We discussed the nature of the work, how to make myself stand out as a training

contract applicant, what to highlight on my CV and some general tips on setting out on a career in law.

We also discussed that Rayden Solicitors was recruiting for a paralegal position to start in September. I applied for the position and went through a challenging application process consisting of two written tasks and two interviews. In June, I was notified that I had been offered the paralegal position!

Fast forward to now, I graduated from the University of Bristol and am now enjoying working at Rayden Solicitors. Since meeting Abby, not only did she provide advice on my application to Raydens, but she has continued to act as a mentor. I am greatly appreciative to her for taking the time to help me develop my career and get one step closer to fulfilling my aspirations of becoming a solicitor.

Of course, I am ultimately thankful to the Stortfordian Foundation for facilitating this connection and subsequent mentoring relationship.

I feel lucky to work with Abby at a well-respected tier 1 family law firm.

My experience at Rayden Solicitors has been incredibly enjoyable and rewarding, I felt welcomed into the firm quickly and have been consistently involved in new opportunities to develop. I hope to train with Rayden Solicitors and look forward to seeing where my legal career takes me. Thank you to Abby Westell, Rayden Solicitors and the Stortfordian Foundation for all the help and support.

get involved with the College again having been given such wonderful opportunities as a pupil. When I received an email inviting me to set up a profile on the Stortfordian Foundation, I thought it was a good opportunity to see if I could offer any support to other OS. I received a message from Megan and was ready to offer some general guidance on embarking on a career in law.

When she said she was interested in a career in family law in particular and we got talking about the specific skills and attributes required for that area, it became clear to me that Megan, who is very personable, bright and hard-working, would be suited to a career in family law and would fit in very well at Raydens. I was very impressed with how she came across in our Zoom calls and I encouraged her to apply for the role of paralegal, the applications for which are dealt with centrally and not by me. Megan aced her interviews and written exercises and was offered the position within my team at Bishop’s Stortford.

As a firm, we place huge importance on immersing ourselves in the local community and providing help and support where we can. As an employer, I am grateful to the Stortfordian Foundation for having initiated the platform as on this occasion, the help has very much worked both ways!

Abby’s perspective: Having worked in London for a number of years and then having moved back to Bishop’s Stortford when starting a family, I wanted to

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OS News - Issue 142 June 2022

Overseas News Celebrating happy memories of a year at Bishop’s Stortford College Dear Stortfordians, Still cannot parse retirement from residual business of my Editorial Services/proofreader.com shop, and primary career as an independent Washington, DC-based activist, journalist and writer in long commitments to public benefit causes worked, from UN and multilateral statecraft such as the Law of the Sea Convention to imperative, climatecooling ecostructure of great railway networks again, and, of course, peace conversion.

This would be a memoir-length entry if fully indulging rich memories of and gratitude for: my year at the College; rigors and raucousities of the old Schoolhouse; escapades (one, involving remodelled Sheaf of Wheat [‘Whiff of S--t’] pub’s Jug Entrance door prompting near disgrace/send-down of meself by Headmaster Rowe), further exposure to outstanding faculty, such as memorable Wally Strachan, exemplar Peter Rowe, exacting Roger Beaufoy, invigorating Freddy Bryan-Brown, inspiring music and choral director Christopher Bishop, Captain Mack and others; wonderful friendships, lasting in visits with protean Franny Lambert (GH,SHB, 53-62), correspondence with inimitable Clive Scott (AH,5662) ; the deeper ties to scholarship, and to England forged; hospitality pervading BSC ceremonial and celebratory events; pride one feels about co-ed and academic evolution of the community, in civic and artistic distinctions of its graduates.

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John Diamante (SH,61-62) San Francisco, April 2022--

Photograph – from left (propped) Alex Collett (SHb,57-62), Richard Jackson (GH,Sha,53-62, English Speaking Union US Schoolboy, (sprawled) John Diamante (SH,61-62), Peter Davies (Sha, 56-62), Roger Madsen (GH,SHb,53-62), David Hogsflesh (SH,57-62), Frank Bennett (GH,SHa,54-62)

OS News - Issue 142 June 2022

Battle of Britain hero honoured by blue plaque In September 2020 the country celebrated the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain and to mark the occasion a blue plaque was unveiled at the birthplace of Victor Ekins (RPH, 1927-31), at 28, New Street, St. Neots, Huntingdonshire.

Victor Howard Ekins was born in St Neots on 16th April 1914 and joined BSC in 1927, where he excelled in the Water Polo VII. In 1931 on leaving BSC he went onto qualify as a chartered surveyor. He joined the RAF Volunteer Reserve in March 1939 and after training was posted to 111 Squadron in July 1940, eventually joining 501 Squadron. On 5th September he claimed a Me109 destroyed. He himself was shot down by a Me110 over Godstone on the 27th September 1940. He baled out at 19,000 ft from the Hurricane he was flying, badly wounded, a bullet having passed through his body before smashing into the controls of the plane, he landed in woods in the middle of a Canadian Ambulance Unit where he received medical attention before being taken to hospital in Sevenoaks. Just eight weeks later he was back in the firing line. In June 1942 he was awarded the DFC, the citation reading “He is a skilful and gallant officer, whose indomitable spirit and cheerful courage have been an inspiration to his squadron.”

He made his last flight in a Spitfire on 25th August 1945, was awarded an MBE (gazetted 1st January 1946) and released from the RAF in January 1946 as a Squadron Leader, returning to St. Neots to run the family business as a land agent and livestock auctioneer with considerable success. He died in February 1993, at Moggerhanger near Biggleswade, Bedfordshire.

Article submitted by John Rycroft (RPH, 64-69)

Victor’s eldest son Tony holding the plague with David Duker from the Tally Ho Project. Photo credit: Archant

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Old Stortfordian Lodge No 5721 The Old Stortfordian Lodge struggled during the lock-down periods and like most lodges throughout the country had been unable to meet at all as usual.

‘Emergency’ meetings were held via Zoom to conduct statutory business of the Lodge that required immediate attention, but that apart it was only on 19th March 2022, our Installation Meeting, when we met in full for the first time in over two years.

This took place at the Masonic Centre, in Sawbridgeworth, our usual meeting venue, when W Bro. Bleddyn (Griff ) David Gareth Griffiths was installed as Worshipful Master.

Consecrated in 1938 the Old Stortfordian Lodge has continued to have close links with the College. In February the Lodge Secretary, Stephen Appelman met with Britt Ellice, the Stortfordian Foundation’s Director of Development, in the newly refurbished School House building, which now houses all the administrative offices of the College, including the Head’s Office and the Bursary. During this meeting Stephen presented a cheque to the College for £2,000, specifically to the Memorial Hall Organ Fund appeal. This was gratefully received.

In addition to this, at the Lodge’s meeting in March, the members agreed to set up a Bursary Fund of £1,000 to be awarded annually to a gifted Sixth Form student of the College moving on to University; such student to be attending the College under a Scholarship or Assisted Funding. Initially, this scheme will run for a period of three academic years, which will

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be reviewed by the Lodge at the end of that period. This motion was proposed in Open Lodge and approved wholeheartedly by the members.

During the lock-down period the Lodge was saddened to lose one of its long-standing members at the age of 89, on 10th September 2021.

W Bro Mike Askins, (SHa, 40-48) was initiated into the OS Lodge on 9th June 1962. The next meeting on Saturday 11th June, would have marked his 60th anniversary as a member of the Lodge.

On the plus side, W Bro Mike Claridge (SHb, 61-69) continues to make good progress following a serious illness at the beginning of the lock-down; he has suffered a number of setbacks and despite these has remained upbeat and positive, and hopes to attend his first Lodge meeting since then in October.

The Lodge welcomes enquiries from those wishing to become Masons and those wishing to join the Lodge. Please contact the Lodge Secretary, Stephen Appelman, scatali@aol.com or 07770 613270, or the Lodge Mentor, John Rycroft, john. rycroft50@gmail.com or 01424 552104 / 07931 335073.

OS News - Issue 142 June 2022

College News Annual Fund Donors help fund the new Arboretum for Prep School Well-Being & Mental Health Bishop’s Stortford College Prep School has opened a brandnew, purpose-built Arboretum designed to facilitate pupils’ wellbeing, mental health and outdoor learning, with a little help from the Stortfordian Foundation, made possible by generous donors from around the world.

Thanks to generous community contributions to the Stortfordian Foundation’s Annual Fund (formerly known as “WTNIG”) through donations and shop purchases, £21k was able to be allocated to help fund the construction of the Arboretum and the furnishings within.

The Arboretum encourages Prep School pupils to use their imaginations. The stage has already been used by all age groups for making up dance routines and practicing instrumental performances. The picnic tables, which feature world maps, provide pupils with an opportunity to test their knowledge, and the variety of plants in the sensory garden open the opportunity to discover elements of nature pupils may never have explored before.

Staff are also able to book the area for outdoor lessons which is wonderful for the pupils to enjoy on a warm spring day.

The majority of furniture within the arboretum, which was selected by pupils, is made from recycled materials including picnic tables and stage seating made of recycled crisp packet pellets.

Hundreds of plants, shrubs and trees encompass the area, planted by 160 pupil volunteers from Lower Shell to Upper Third. The Prep School Pupil Council also donated £500 for bird feeders, bug hotels, waterproof picnic blankets and more.

Bill Toleman, Head of the Prep School, said, “The mental health and well-being of our pupils is really important to us and it has been wonderful to watch this pupil-led initiative come to life over the last couple of years. The Arboretum provides a dedicated space for pupils to enjoy some peace and quiet, be with nature and spend time together as well as teaching opportunities using the stage or the outdoor classroom.

It is a wonderful addition to

An idea initiated by a team of 5 Upper Third pupils back in 2020 as their entry for the ‘Global Leaders Competition’, a project which contributes towards addressing the United Nations’ global goals for sustainable development.

our campus and I’m sure will be appreciated by pupils and staff for many years to come.”

On behalf of our pupils, a big thanks goes to all our wonderful community who have made donations or who have made a purchase from the Stortfordian Foundation Shop, for your help in making the Prep School’s Arboretum a reality. We look forward to another wonderful enhancement the Annual Fund will be able to provide our pupils next year!

Many of our Annual Fund donors give smaller amounts on a regular basis through monthly direct debit.

To set this up or to make a one-off gift, you can contact the team or visit www.stortfordianfoundation. org/supportus, or browse our shop to see the latest gifts and official BSC Merchandise available www. stortfordianfoundation.org/shop.

All Annual Fund proceeds benefit the enhancement of the College’s teaching and learning spaces where the need is greatest.

Images courtesy of SPLAAT photography

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Births Madeleine Fogg (nee Cameron) (AH, 03-07) and her husband Daniel welcomed Daughter Skylar in October 2020. Despite Skylar arriving during challenging lockdown times surrounded

by Covid restrictions, Maddy proudly reports that she is a ray of sunshine, who loves dancing, Lion King & Peter Rabbit!. Maddy, Daniel and Skylar are based in Hertford and Maddy is now back working as a EU Project Manager for Amazon.

We wish the Fogg family every happiness in the future!

Elizabeth Baker (PP,GH,AH, 97-09) welcomed a beautiful daughter, Isabella Eileen Sykes with her partner Tony Sykes On 25th July 2021.

Elliot Hathaway (PP,WH,HH,96-10) and Emily Hathaway (nee Tattersall) (WH,BH, 03-10 & Pre-Prep Staff 19-) welcomed Ottilie Victoria Jane Hathaway on Tuesday 15th March 2022 at 12:20pm weighing 7lbs 2oz.

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OS News - Issue 142 June 2022

Marriages Marriage of Elliot Hathaway (PP,WH,HH,96-10) and Emily Tattersall (WH,BH, 03-10 & PrePrep Staff 19-) Having had their original wedding plans scuppered by the pandemic, Emily and Elliot married in the College Memorial Hall on Monday 12th April 2021 with a limited number of guests, still including some OS (staff and pupils). While originally planned for the summer 2020 (incidentally coinciding with 30 years since Adrian and Mandy Hathaway married in the Memorial Hall), like so many couples, plans were postponed numerous times.

Emily and Elliot met at the College in 2003, so with this, and the Hathaway family history, The College has always been a special place to them.

One year on and with all the restrictions lifted, a much-delayed wedding celebration was held in a giant tipi on Middle Green to mark their one-year anniversary and arrival of their baby girl, Ottilie. A delightful day was had by all with food, dancing, an ice cream van and enough Stortfordians (staff and pupils, past and present) in the photos to confuse the day with a school reunion.

Warmest congratulations to Tom Reynolds (HH,07-09) who married his husband Gareth in August 2019 just before the covid pandemic.

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OS News - Issue 142 June 2022

Richard Alliott (AH, 48-50)

John Duke (SHa, 53-57)

Brian Mansfield (GH, DBH, 44-51)

James Arthur (GH, AH, 67-73)

Maurice Elliott (GH, DBH, 43-48) See Obituary

Derek Power (SH, 39-48) See Obituary

William Garwood (RPH, 36-41)

Angus Rae (AH, 42-47)

Duncan Grant (GH, SuH, 64-71)

Bryan Read (AH, RPH, 39-43)

David Griffin (SHa, 46-49)

Bridget Rowe Wife of Peter Rowe (Headmaster 5770)

Michael Askins (GH, SHa, 40-48) See Obituary Derek Austin (GH, HH, AH, 57-64 ) Michael Beveridge (RPH, 60-64) John Bewers (GH, HH, 43-52) John Blewett (GH, 45-49) Jolyon Bolhuis (SHa, 49-54) Carl Bolhuis (SH, 50-55) Trevor Borgman (SHb, 44-47) Michael Brown (GH, SHb, 56-65) John Browning (RPH, 40-42) Philip Caton (GH, DBH, 41-49) Bryan (John) Chaumeton (SHa, GH, 37-46) David Croft (SH, GH, 66-73) Christopher Davies (SHa, 49-54) See Obituary Peter De Boltz (DBH, 40-41) Peter Downing (SHa, 47-52)

John Hickling (GH, SHa, 47-56) See Obituary Billy Hookway (HH, 00-02) See Obituary Michael Hopkins (AH, 76-79) Otto Hutter (SH, 39-42) See Obituary Brett (Owen) Jones (SHa, 55-60) Kenneth Laws (SHb, 34-38) Anthony Lethieullier (GH, SH, 43-47) Robert Lockie (SH, 65-70) Geoffry Lusty (SH, 39-45) Donald MacDonald (AH, 33-40) Derrick Main (Staff, 64-90) See Obituary Anthony Mead (SHb, 51-53) See Obituary

May they rest in peace.

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Geoffrey Sell (DBH, GH, 42-51) Robert Shaw (SHa, 60-65) Bet Soady Honorary Life Member See Obituary Anne St Lawrence (YH, 81-83) See Obituary Paul (Michael) Stebbings (GH, RPH, 55-62) See Obituary Peter Stephens (SHa, 47-50) Robin Venn (HH, 39-45) Peter Warboys (GH, DBH, 42-48) James Wild (GH, AH, 49-57) Roy Wisbey (HH, 40-47) Bernard Wood (GH, DBH, 41-46)

OS News - Issue 142 June 2022

Obituaries Askins - Michael Ernest St George Askins (GH,SHa,40-48) Eulogy given by W Bro John Rycroft PPGReg at the regular meeting of the OS Lodge on Saturday, 9th October 2021 Was initiated into this Lodge on the 9th June 1962, was installed as WM in 1971, and achieved Provincial honours rising to the rank of PPGSwdB. He was a quiet man by nature, generally sitting in the back row. That’s what most of us knew about Mike.

Let’s turn the clock back to 30th November 1931, the day on which Mike was born in London. At the age of 4 he moved to Bishop’s Stortford. He joined BSC at the age of 8, entering Grimwade House as a boarder, where in 1943 he met Cliff Shipman for the first time. At BSC he quickly developed a love for sport, with rugby and athletics featuring strongly. He was a Monitor in Grimwade House and is listed alongside one John Rea, who later became Headmaster of Westminster School. Moving into the Senior School he was a member of SH a, where he also became a Monitor. He achieved his School Colours in Rugby and Athletics, where in the latter he Power - Stephen M Richardson (SHa 68-77) notifies of the death of his Uncle, fellow Old Stortfordian, Derek John Power (SH 39-48). Derek died peacefully at Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, on 24th January 2021, aged 91, father to Geraldine and Oliver.

Educated at Bishop’s Stortford College, and at Imperial College London where he obtained a degree in engineering.

He was also a useful hockey player at school and university. He received the Duke of Edinburgh Design Prize for

was Vice-Captain and Secretary.

A match report of a 1st XV fixture against St Edmunds College, Ware, states that “Owing to injuries, Askins was brought in on the wing.... With grim determination the School scored through Askins in a ‘blind-side’ movement.” The match was lost 6-3.

Mike left the College in 1948, his School Certificate secured. He then attended Writtle Agricultural College and subsequently worked on a farm for a while, delaying his National Service. When he did go in, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant and spent time in Cyprus which he loved. His grandchildren recall regularly being asked by Mike if they would like to see his ‘Cyprus slides’ again! Continuing his love for sport he participated in athletics whilst in Cyprus. On leaving Cyprus he began working in London in financial services.

He married and his daughters Tracy and Wendy were born in 1962 and 1964 respectively and he then married his second wife Ann in 1972.

He had step daughters Sally and Jo and welcomed another daughter Amanda in 1974. Mike thoroughly enjoyed his retirement years watching his 11 grandchildren grow up, golfing,

travelling and gardening.

Katie, one of Mike’s grandchildren who was a pupil at BSC (96-10) says that Bishop’s Stortford College held an extremely close place in her grandfather’s heart, and on the occasion of his 80th birthday in 2011 they (all 11 grandchildren) presented him with a specially embroidered sweater, with the College crest and the dates he attended BSC, and his house. Needless to say, he loved it.

It is important to mention that 4 of Mike’s 11 grandchildren attended BSC, all children of Mike’s daughter, Wendy Chambers who worked in the PE Department at the College for 15 years throughout their time at BSC - Matthew Chambers 94–06, Katie Chambers 96-10, Sophie Chambers 97-11, Lucy Chambers 98-12. He was so proud of what they achieved at BSC and quite rightly would talk about their achievements at length, so that we could share in that pride.

Mike passed to the Grand Lodge above on Friday 10th September, at the age of 89.

May he rest in peace – our thoughts and prayers must be with all his family.

Atom Physics Teaching in 1971. Derek was a celebrated art collector as was his father E J Power, as well as a keen bowls and croquet player in his later life.

His elder brother Alan Power (SH, 37-46) is still alive at the age of 94, living in Santa Monica, California, and was a contemporary of Peter Rowe at BSC. His younger sister, my mother, is alive and well and lives in Norfolk.

Sending sincerest condolences to Derek’s family on their loss.

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OS News - Issue 142 June 2022

Obituaries Elliott – Maurice Elliott (GH,DBH,43-48) OS Jack Hulbert (AH,45-49) & Keith Bennett (DBH, 43-48) write to share their memories of Maurice Elliott who died at the age of 89 in January 2022 leaving behind his cherished wife Janet and 7 Children and 21 grandchildren and 12 greatgrandchildren.

Keith writes: I first met Maurice on the day we both started school at St Michaels Infant School at the age of 5 in 1935. By the time we left our formal education at BSC in 1948 we knew one another pretty well having walked to school with one another frequently with Tony Miles (GH,DBH, 43-47), who unfortunately died not long after we had all met again at the OS Reunion at BSC. After BSC Maurice and I went our separate ways into building and aircraft respectively but still kept in close touch when getting a lift in Alan Nash (DBH, 40-44)’s Frazer Nash car. At weekends all three of us playing for the OS Rugby Club.

Having qualified at-building Maurice then joined his father’s company and eventually took over the Company which became very highly thought of nationally and did a of work lot of work in the City as well as for various ministries.

Maurice and I were both in St Michael’s choir in our younger days and “volunteered” to take part in the reviews put on by the choirmaster and the father of Michael Hare (GH,DBH, 43-48) .

Maurice was one of the stars by playing a number of solos on his trumpet.

Maurice and Jan(et) were married in

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Dec 1955 and Maurice really found out that Jan was a superb cook since the next time I saw them they then had their first two babies I next saw them with four then seven at which stage they found a cure for this rate of growth and realised it wasn’t Jan’s cooking.

It was at this stage that Maurice and Eric Howard (DBH,39-43) got together to have an annual dinner for the more senior OS and what a success it has been, thanks to them both.

My deepest sympathy goes Jan and her family and my heartfelt thanks to Maurice for being my best friend for all those wonderful days.

Jack adds ‘It was after Eric Howard and Maurice got together to find a venue that I was invited to join the first dinner. About 30 of us got together and had a very enjoyable evening. Next year we moved to a lowly hotel in Cambridge with a great atmosphere where our numbers rose to over 100 on occasions. After several very happy years there, where people could stay for the weekend if they chose to, Cambridge University wanted their carpark back so we had to find another venue. Eventually we found Bar Hill, just outside Cambridge,

a new concrete venue with no atmosphere at all. We were looked after and held the event there for several years. Numbers dwindled due to age and the OS offered to take on the administration of the event and we agreed.

When Maurice became hospitalised I contacted Janet to visit with them in Bungay. On seeing me, his first words to me were ‘Not you, you old bugger’. They were the only words I heard but was very pleased he uttered them. That was the Maurice I knew.’

Maurice was a devoted member of the OS community and will be so greatly missed by all whom had the honour to know him.

OS News - Issue 142 June 2022

Obituaries St. Lawrence – Anne St. Lawrence (YH,81-83) died on the 2nd August 2021 aged 56.

working first at English Eccentrics then for the last 17 years for Jenny Packham.

Anne died on August 2nd having been diagnosed in the previous November with terminal cancer.

After Bishop’s Stortford Collage Anne worked as a PA for a few years then went to Chelsea Art College, part of London University, where she gained a first-class degree in Textile Design, moving from family dunce to the only one with a first, much to her two brothers’ Ian (GH,RPH,68-76) & Peter (GH,RPH, 70-78), chagrin!

She then moved into fashion

She remained independent until the latter stages of her illness when she moved into her brother Peter’s house. She bore the disease with a remarkable lack of selfpity and used her customary dark sense of humour to keep spirits up. Anne did not start her own family, but was very close to Ian’s daughter and son as well as Peter’s three daughters.

Hickling - John Valentine Hickling (GH,SHa, 47-56) and I overlapped during our respective times at BSC but, as there was an age gap of 4 years, we did not know each other until he married my wife Mary’s sister Sheila Carruthers. From then on the four of us were very close.

Apart from Christmases and other family visits we had very many memorable and enjoyable holidays together. John was always able to keep us in fits with his jokes

John was a loyal friend of BSC and the Old Stortfordians’ Society.

He was president of the OS in 1954-5 and ran the OS Golf Society for very many years. It is hard to believe that it would have continued without his efforts. He organised the twice yearly competitions and both the Halford Hewitt golf tournament for public schools and latterly the tournament for old boys over 55 from the same public schools.

Indeed Sheila and he used to invite the Halford Hewitt team to stay with them as the tournament was held at Royal ST George’s which is not far from their home.

John trained as a chartered accountant at Price Bailey in Bishop’s Stortford but after he qualified and after he and Sheila moved to Kent he set up his own practice which he ran single handedly up to a few years before his death. Sheila tried, in vain, to get him to retire completely but, although he dramatically reduced his workload he felt an obligation to continue to look after a few of his long-term clients. The stairs up to the attic room in their oast house served as a filing system for his many papers much to Sheila’s displeasure.

41-49) at the age of 67 in 1997 and Brother, Ian (GH,RPH, 6876) at the age of 47 in 2005. Our sincerest condolences are sent to Peter and his family on their loss.

Anne is survived by Brother Peter (GH,RPH, 70-78) having sadly lost her Father John (GH,RPH, children - James and Lucy - to say their goodbyes in person and for Sheila to be with John when he stopped breathing in his sleep.

John Turner (GH, DBH, 43-52)

John had several minor strokes in the last 4 or five years of his life culminating in a major stroke on last Christmas Day. He spent some time in hospital but was released to return home, with a full care package, a few weeks before his death on Valentine’s Day which was his birthday. He was, therefore, exactly 84 to the day.

His return home enabled his two

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OS News - Issue 142 June 2022

Obituaries Hookway – Billy A. Hookway (HH, 00-02) died on 25th August 2020.

Billy came to the College from St Mary’s in 2000 and joined Hayward House under Mike Tomkys. As a member of Bishop’s Stortford rugby club and with his sister Sarah at the College, he was already known socially by a number of our year group. Quite appropriately his first day was on top field at pre-season rugby training. He made an immediate impact and the friendships forged in those early days went from strength to strength in the years that followed.

Although, from that day to this we’re yet to find a reliable witness to the prodigious speed that Billy regularly purported to have!

He was a big character from the outset with an unmistakable laugh and quickly became well known throughout the school. Though academically very capable it was on the sports field that Bill was in his element. Ever the sportsman, competition was in his DNA, whether it was golf, football or rugby Billy was a natural. He was a formidable backrower and a central member of the 1st XV for two seasons. These included the 2002 unbeaten season, Rugby World Team of the Month XV and touring South Africa. The optimism, honesty and determination he showed on the sports pitch became his defining characteristics. He had an appeal that bridged divides. A trait that was particularly useful when we played the Boy’s High School with both teams vying for an unbeaten season in the local derby. The game was the inaugural match at the new High School sports complex and the atmosphere was ‘competitive’. This

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was perhaps exacerbated by the High School boys successfully calling up the coach company to cancel our transport to the match. Thankfully we won and Billy was the first to extend a handshake and offer a beer to the opposition with a broad smile while congratulating them on a perfectly executed prank.

On leaving the College Billy bucked the trend of heading south within our friendship group and attended Sheffield University. Despite the cold it turned out to be the best decision he ever made for it was here that he met his wife Mariam. After graduating from Sheffield University with a degree in Accounting and Finance Billy completed 18 months at Ernst & Young. His initial induction programme is worthy of mention as it was in part conducted by Alistair Stewart, father of fellow alumnus Gordon Stewart (GH and RPH, 9102). In a packed lecture hall Alistair spotted Billy and promptly recalled that the last time he had seen Billy he was running naked through Alistair’s garden pond during a party. As ice breakers go this surely has to be one of the very best.

Billy moved on to Barclays and launched a successful 9-year career working between Structured Finance and Private equity teams. Billy changed tack in 2014 joining the JKS restaurant group led by his previous colleague at Barclays, Jyotin Sethi, and his brother Karam. He became their Commercial Director and led Business Development during a period of phenomenal success which saw JKS expand to 15 brands with 8 restaurants gaining, and retaining, Michelin star recognition. In his spare time he even completely renovated three

homes. He was someone who sought a challenge and thrived when getting things done.

After being diagnosed with liver disease in his early 20s one would forgive Billy for taking it easy or for focusing on himself for a bit.

He did nothing of the sort and instead attacked life with renewed vigour. He took up cycling and ran the London Marathon raising large sums for charity. He became the ultimate designated driver and was never far from the party. Billy was a ‘people person’ in the truest sense.

He made people comfortable in his company and he was committed to being honest and doing the right thing. His enthusiasm was infectious, as was his confidence.

That he achieved everything he did despite his illness is remarkable.

Billy was professionally incredibly capable and as such he enjoyed great success. However, it is not his professional achievements or sporting ability that defined the man, nor will they be his legacy.

His greatest passion was also his greatest achievement, his family.

As a father of four daughters he was always outnumbered but took it in his stride. His approach to life and the people around him is what marked him out as special.

Regardless of his own challenges he made time to support encourage and champion those around him. He had boundless energy and optimism and worked hard to instil confidence in those around him.

As a young man he was the guy whose team you wanted to be on, and whose company you wanted to keep. In adult life he came to represent that most unique of things, someone you wanted to emulate. Unusually as a year group

OS News - Issue 142 June 2022

Obituaries we have remained very tight knit for approaching 20 years. His loss has been felt deeply. An enduring sentiment that has echoed around our friendship group that seems apt to share in the current climate, when life is challenging or we are tempted by introspection, we would all benefit from being a little bit more like Billy.

Billy is survived by his wife Mariam, his four young girls, Zahra,

Hutter - Professor Otto Hutter (SHb, 39-42) Professor Otto Hutter (SHb, 39-42) peacefully passed away at home in Bournemouth on 22nd November 2020 aged 96 years following a very short decline in health.

Otto joined the College in 1939 as a full boarder in School House B having fled his native Austria during the first cohort of Kindertransport in 1938. Upon arrival in England he was fostered by the family of OS A Blaxill (SHa, 13-17) who rallied fellow Old Stortfordians for financial support to pay the fees for Otto to receive a full boarding College education. The call out to OS followed Kristallnacht in Vienna in November 1938 and the call was ‘What can Stortford do?’ the response was swiftly met by a small group of OS who fully funded Otto’s education at their own cost.

Otto’s Father’s wish was that he would continue his education after leaving Austria, a wish that Otto fulfilled many times over. Otto left the College in 1942 to continue his studies at University in London where he became a pioneering Professor of Physiology, undertaking key cardiac research which amongst

Leila, Olivia and Eva, and also by his parents Alan and Wendy and sister, Sarah (YH, 96 – 98).

We send them all our deepest sympathies and stand with them as a community in support.

Should anyone wish to make a donation in memory of Billy then supporting the AMMF The Cholangiocarcinoma Charity is encouraged. www.ammf.org.uk

other things, enabled the creation of the first pacemakers. He continued his career as Emeritus Professor at Glasgow University. He retired very late in life but continued his love of education by conducting in depth research into the Kindertransport programme and more widely into the Holocaust and always remained a very active member of the wider Jewish community in Bournemouth.

We were hugely honoured to welcome Prof Hutter to the College in June 2018 where he eloquently addressed the L6th about his time at the College and his family experience of the Second World War. To mark the 80th Anniversary of his relationship with the College Otto donated and helped to plant an oak tree which takes pride of place on the edge of Middle Green.

He also donated a number of reference books to the library for the use and enjoyment of pupils and staff alike.

full life, living independently but with support and taking great joy in his family (including 11 Grandchildren and 27 Great Grandchildren) and in tending his garden and continued to research the Holocaust and Kindertransport until very recently.

Otto lost both his Parents in 1942 and he was forever grateful for all that the Blaxill family and the College did to help him lead the fulfilling life he did. He deemed himself to be very ‘lucky indeed’ and we deem him to be an inspiration to all that learn his story.

May peace be upon him – Professor Otto Hutter (19242020) https://www.ajrrefugeevoices. org.uk/RefugeeVoices/OttoHutter Otto›s own account of his life can be read here.

Following the death of his wife of 70 years in late 2018, he moved to Israel and is believed to be one of the oldest British Citizens to gain Israeli citizenship – a lifelong dream realised for him. He returned to the UK earlier this year and lived a very

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OS News - Issue 142 June 2022

Obituaries Mead - Anthony Mead (SHb, 51-53) We are very sorry to advise that OS Captain Anthony “Tony” Mead died on 31st March 2022.

Tony’s brother Brian (SHb, 48-53) writes:After leaving Bishop’s Stortford College, Tony joined Houlder Brothers Shipping Line as an Apprentice.

His maiden voyage was to Archangel, so not such a stimulating introduction to a life at sea!

On becoming a Master Mariner, Captain Mead joined the Crown Agents and worked as both a Pilot and Harbour Master in Lagos, Nigeria. Tony married in 1968 and the couple then went to Borneo and both East and West Africa.

As a European base, they bought a property in Andorra in 1984, before returning to the UK to live in South Devon. More recently, Tony and his wife had relocated to Anglesey to be nearer his family (all living in North Wales) and it was here in Anglesey that he died after a short illness.

Tony was one of the five boys featured in this photograph – centre back – which was featured in Main, Derrick (Staff, 1964-90) Former Head of PE and Master I/c Rugby in the Senior and Junior School and who won four caps for Wales in the 1959 Five Nations tournament, has died at the age of 90.

Described in the London Welsh history as “an indestructible prop”, he packed down in his first game against England at Cardiff Arms Park on 17 January 1959. He was one of seven new caps in a side that won 5-0.

Born in Cairo, where his Scottish father was working in the military, Main was living in Dover Castle when WW2 struck. Along with his Cornish mother and two brothers he was evacuated to Abergavenny, where he attended King Henry VIII Grammar School.

“Abergavenny became his home

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OS News 133 in March 2016.

We send our sincere condolences to Tony’s brother Brian together with Tony’s wife and family.

and he was so very proud to have played for Wales. He used to love taking me to Cardiff for international matches and enjoyed going into the inner sanctum of the International Players Lounge at Principality Stadium,” recalled his daughter, Lin Spreckley.

“He delighted in watching Wales beat Scotland the weekend before he died and was always a staunch supporter of the game.”

After leaving school he did his National Service in the Royal Navy.

He was a ‘Writer’ – responsible of Human Resources on board ship – on HMS Cumberland and played in the Inter-Services Championship at Twickenham in 1953 and 1954.

His next move was to Exeter, where he trained to become a teacher at St Luke’s College. It was

here that he met his wife, Margaret Underhill, who was radiographer at Exeter Hospital where he went for an X-Ray when injured. They married in 1955.

The rugby team at St Luke’s was among the best in the country at that time and he also played for two seasons for Devon in the county championship, helping them to reach back-to-back finals.

He became a Barbarian on their Easter Tour in 1958 and played in his first Welsh trial in 1959. He was selected for the second of three trials, but didn’t make the cut for the final trial, yet still got picked by the Big Five. He also had a trial in 1960 before hanging up his boots a year later.

After leaving St Luke’s he became a teacher at Bancroft’s School

OS News - Issue 142 June 2022

Obituaries and then joined Bishop’s Stortford College in 1964 to take charge of PE, Rugby and Swimming. For some time, leading clubs, the Navy and Combined Services profited from his advice. In the Junior School he became Head of Maths as well as enthusiastically teaching Rugby, Swimming, PE and handicrafts and retired from the College in 1990 after seven years in the Senior School followed by nineteen in the Prep School.

He became involved with the coaching at Bishop’s Stortford RFC before leaving teaching to set-up a woodworking factory that repaired kitchen and household fittings in Herefordshire.

Derrick Roy Main: Cap No: 637 – 4 caps from London Welsh; B: 29 November, 1931 in Cairo; D: February, 2022 Davies – Chris Davies (SHa, 4954) died in July 2021 aged 83.

Cycling and Hockey were Chris’ twin passions and Chris represented Havant for Hockey as a youngster. He subsequently focussed on cycling and became a record breaker – cycling 916,791 miles – the equivalent of pedalling around the world almost 37 times, or 1036 times from Land’s End to John O’Groats!

In 2010 at the age of 72, Chris held the world record for the most miles ever officially cycled.

A fanatical cyclist, Chris took his first ride in 1950 when he travelled 10.5km (6.5 miles) from Havant to his Grandmother’s beach hut on Hayling Island.

In 1954, Chris joined the Portsmouth branch of the Cycling Touring Club (CTC), where he went on to undertake 25 mile and 100 mile trials before undertaking

12 hour and 24 hour trials.

Chris was a member of the 300,000 Mile Cycling Club set up in 1962 to provide a record of members names and distances travelled. Chris remains 2nd on the all time list and only 153 members have ever been accepted to this club.

Chris cycled 10,000 miles every year, which when broken down, is 27 miles every day for 365 days and Chris did not limit himself to cycling only within the UK. In celebration of cycling for 50 years and the 200th anniversary of Nelson’s victory at Trafalgar, Chris rode from Cape Trafalgar, Spain to Trafalgar Square, London.

Cycling through the Middle East in 1973 he was trapped in Israel during the Yom Kippur war and in 1976 along with six friends Chris made a memorable Bikecentennial tour across the US from Portland to Denver covering 1260 miles.

Prior to Chris’s cycling career coming to an end due to illness, Chris had only 39 days away from cycling, when he had a hip replacement in 2001.

Given his cycling passion it is perhaps unsurprising that he was the cycling correspondent for local Portsmouth newspaper The News for 50 years, finally retiring in 2004.

Chris also worked for the AA and both Portsmouth and Winchester City Councils before a spell as a railway ticket collector.

Chris was quoted in The News as “quite simply one of the Portsmouth region’s most remarkable sporting characters of all time” Chris died peacefully at a nursing home on the south coast. Chris is survived by brothers Jack (SHa, 50-57) and Peter (SHa, 56-62).

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OS News - Issue 142 June 2022

Obituaries Soady – Elizabeth ‘Bet’ Soady Bet passed away very peacefully on Easter Sunday 2021 aged 96 with her beloved Daughter Anne at her side.

Always a staunch supporter of the School and of her ‘RPH Boys’ in particular, Bet was held in great affection by all those at the College who had the honour to know her. Wife of College 2nd Master and RPH Housemaster, Leslie Soady, and awarded the rare title of Honorary OS in her own right in recognition of her support of the school, it was always a great pleasure to welcome Bet along to OS events. Most recently the RPH 90th Anniversary celebration in 2013 where she was a guest of honour and can be seen in this photograph of the event with past OS President Mark Jarrett & Former College Staff Garry and Beverley Hudson.

We pass on our sincerest condolences to Bet’s family, including Daughter Anne and her Husband Paul Vingoe (GH,RPH,60-67) and all that knew and loved Bet – she will be so greatly missed by all whose lives she touched.

Elizabeth Soady – 1924-2021 Elizabeth ‘Bet’ was born in Scotland but very sadly her mother died in childbirth. She spent her first 3 years with her paternal grandmother in Edinburgh. Her father had 3 married sisters, one of whom did not have children, Peggy Craig, married to James Craig the then Housemaster of Westfield Lodge at the College. It was decided that Bet should live with the Craig’s during term times and spend the school holidays back with her

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Aunts in Scotland. Thus began a relationship with the College that was to span over 90 years.

Bet enjoyed the benefits of growing up within a school, joining her Uncle on School trips and playing tennis on the school courts. She was 15 when the war broke out and during its course she became a nurse at St George’s hospital and went through the Blitz. Having left nursing towards the end of the war she joined the Housekeeping Department at the Cumberland Hotel, and what she learnt there would come in very useful as a Housemaster’s Wife! Her Aunt, Peggy Craig, died in August 1939 so after the war ended it is believed that Bet returned to Stortford to look after her Uncle. He had by then left Westfield Lodge and had built a house, Kilrimand, on Hadham Road and remained a Master at

the College until retiring in 1947 having completed 30 years service.

In 1949 Bet married Leslie Soady who had joined the College Languages Staff after being demobbed from the Rifle Brigade in 1946. Initially they lived in a little thatched cottage in High Wych but then Anne, Bet’s Daughter, believes when she was about 2, they moved to 96a Hadham Road.

In or around 1956/7 Leslie took up the offer of a job as Headmaster of a school in Pakistan. Thankfully for the College, despite everything having been arranged the contract failed to arrive. College Headmaster Arthur Evans offered Leslie the post of Housemaster of RPH in 1957 so that became the Soady’s home for the next 13 years.

Paul Vingoe (GH,RPH,60-67)

OS News - Issue 142 June 2022

Obituaries Michael Paul Stebbings (GH & RPH, 55-62) Obituary kindly submitted by Tim Moore (GH, RPH, 53-60). Grateful thanks to Lois, Hugh, Ian and Tim who combined for this obituary.

29th March 1944 – 9th November 2020 Died aged 76 years in Tokyo, Japan.

Stebbings - Michael Paul Stebbings (GH & RPH, 55-62) (MPS reflecting his Father’s occupation) was born on 29th March 1944 at Kettering Hospital, Northamptonshire.

On 15th January 1945, when Paul was just ten months old, his father Ray suffered a mid-air collision over Germany and his mother Effie was informed he was “missing, presumed killed”. It was a terrible eight weeks until she received a Red Cross card saying that he had survived, although he was a POW. The family were reunited on 12th May and their life resumed. His lucky mascot had always been Paul’s first little sock that he kept in his jacket pocket throughout his ordeal.

working for Macmillan Press in London. They returned to Japan together and married in March 1982, where they settled in Sakado.

Paul was a linguist and especially good at Japanese! They made a great team – setting up three schools of English ,running a translation business and progressing to renting out offices and commercial space, including a concert hall - Yanai Hall.

The businesses suffered as a result of the economic downturn but despite this, Paul was ever the optimist.

In 2014 he became involved in a large iron-ore mine in Tasmania and he and Yukiko lived in Burnie, Tasmania. Whilst there, Tim Moore (53-60) visited them during a trip to Australia. Sadly with Paul’s declining health, they returned to Japan.

Paul and Yukiko’s last visit to the U.K. was in April 2017, where they attended the O.S. Veteran’s Dinner in Cambridge. Paul used the visit to reminis with fellow OS John Tedder (59–63) and Ian Treleaven (53–61), before attending the 100th birthday celebrations for both his parents.

Paul suffered health issues and throughout had excellent care from the Japanese health service and wonderful support from Yukiko. Paul’s health deteriorated and in September 2020 he was admitted to hospital. Paul died on Monday 9th November, with his devoted wife Yukiko with him.

He was always optimistic and forward-looking. A true Mr Micawber – “something will turn up.” He kept that optimism and his unique sense of humour, from which we all benefitted, until the end.

Paul attended Wensley House preschool and St Aubyn’s Prep School, before joining Bishop’s Stortford College at the age of 11 in September 1955. He represented RPH at Rugby in Inter-House, was a Choir member and an avid member of the photographic society.

After Paul left Bishop’s Stortford he worked as photographer with fellow OS and Epping resident Ed Inglis (BSC 1951-59), before joining his father Ray at Slater’s.

Paul spent time in Luton and London on various ventures before meeting Yukiko Yanai – who was

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OS News - Issue 142 June 2022

Obituaries Remembering the Life of Peter Rowe When Peter Rowe became College Headmaster in the Summer term of 1957, he was, at the age of 29, the youngest headmaster in England. An Old Stortfordian (GH, SH, 39-46), the son of an Old Stortfordian, he was Head of School and captain or vice-captain of the rugby, cricket, hockey and athletics, before winning an open scholarship in history at Cambridge. His appointment met, unsurprisingly, with universal approval. His tenure oversaw a vast period of building on campus, new science labs, the library block extension, extensions to Hayward and Grimwade and new tennis courts to name but a few, followed in quick succession. Perhaps the most significant structure being the striking new communal dining hall which opened in 1962. This freed up kitchen space in the Houses to be converted into much needed changing and common rooms and brought the whole community together to dine in one place for the first time. A vast period of change, the results of which still remain at the heart of the College campus life today.

After hosting the Queen Mother at the school for the College Centenary celebrations in 1968, Peter Rowe left the College in 1970 to take up the Headship of Cranbrook School, but has remained a close friend and loyal supporter of the College ever since.

In 2017 our new boys’ boarding house was named in his honour and we are eternally grateful that he was able to return to the campus with his family for the official house

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opening. His legacy will live on in current and future generations of Rowe House boys.

Peter Rowe’s lasting legacy at the College was to have concentrated on not just the overall academic performance of the School, but also to have taken his experience as a pupil into his leadership ethos to develop pupils not just in the classroom but as well-rounded individuals as well. He noted in the 1968 Centenary Chronicle ‘I was grateful to Stortford because it helped me to find my true self’: this is what one hopes former pupils will continue to say.

On his departure in 1970 The

Stortfordian observed the “very real appreciation for the care and affection with which Mr Rowe has led the school. Too often… ‘A’ and ‘O’ Levels become the primary objective in schools...this has not

OS News - Issue 142 June 2022

Obituaries been true at Stortford under Mr Rowe, for the development of the individual has been the allimportant aim.”

Peter Rowe played a pivotal role in the lives of a whole generation of Old Stortfordians and garners huge respect and affection across the broader Old Stortfordian

Community. His loss will be greatly felt by all those that had the honour to know him as a Headmaster, contemporary and friend.

Warwick Morris (SHb, 62-67) writes that OS of a certain vintage should know that a fine seat and five young trees commemorating the life of Peter Rowe (1928-2020) can now be found in The Living Grove part of the Cranbrook Ball Field. This attractive area with its fine rural views is adjacent to Cranbrook School, the seat of Peter’s last headship.

Situated among the grove of young trees, the seat is a fine wooden one with Peter’s name and dates carved on the back.

As we sat there, we shared fond memories of Peter, who was also my Housemaster when I started at Stortford - where he was always supported by Bridget - and talked about life at the College and

beyond.

Sadly since the submission of this article we have been notified that Bridget Rowe passed away on 13th April 2022 – sending sincerest condolences to the Rowe family and all OS that remember Bridget fondly.

Warwick Morris (SHb, 62-67)

On 6 September 2021, a lovely sunny day, I had the pleasure of visiting this spot with Peter’s widow, Bridget Rowe, with whom I keep in touch and who continues to live in nearby Angley Park. Bridget, a feisty 91 year old, recounted how she oversaw the tree-planting, with her family, on a very wet day last February.

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OS News - Issue 142 June 2022

The Memorial Hall Organ Campaign For nearly 100 years, the magnificent Organ has proudly filled the Memorial Hall with the soaring sound that only a pipe organ of its caliber can produce, accompanying generations of Stortfordians in song.

This year we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the opening of the Memorial Hall, designed by Sir Clough William-Ellis. The Memorial Hall is all the more important to the life of the College due to its first-rate pipe organ which has been installed since 1927. Fortunately, much of the original instrument remains, but with the march of time it now struggles to provide the breadth of sound and power to lead our services, concerts, and assemblies as a growing school.

What work is required?

The work required is significant; the College considered a digital conversion during planning, but the agreed plan is to retain originality and context with the heritage of the Memorial Hall.

Planned work to repair and extend the Organ’s capabilities includes cleaning and restoring all 1030 pipes, and adding additional pipes improving the range, pitch, and dynamics of the organ. A versatile digital section will be added for the pedal organ and part of the main section, and a new swell box will be installed. The soundboards will be replaced with superior materials which will protect the instrument from environmental threats. All contacts will be replaced, and the wind distribution system will be radically re-built to increase the reliability and quality of sound.

The current organ framework will be improved to allow more sound into the hall, and the console will be replaced with a modern detached version to increase flexibility.

Fundraising Goals The cost of refurbishment is £120,000.

To date, £18,500 has already been 46

raised for our Organ through a variety of appeals. We need your help to secure the rest and to be able to commit to the programme of refurbishment.

Timescales Once funding is secured, the work will take approximately 4-5 months, taking the Organ out of commission during this time. Ideally the de-installation would occur over the Easter Holidays 2023 and be completed by the following September, ready for the new term.

Special Events We are presently arranging a Memorial Hall Organ Benefit Concert Series in the Memorial Hall throughout 20222023, gathering our community for a series of professional evening concert performances in support of the Organ Campaign. We will also fundraise for the Organ at other events throughout the year such as Family Fun Day. How your Gift will be Commemorated We will offer several categories of donor recognition[1] for larger one-off gifts to the Memorial Hall Organ Campaign which will be commemorated on a plaque for display in the Memorial Hall near the Organ. A reception for donors including a demonstration of the renewed instrument will be held in celebration in the Memorial Hall once restoration is complete.

Alongside receiving our gratitude, supporters at Patron, Stop Sponsor, 1927 Society, or Friend of the Memorial Hall Organ levels will be thanked and celebrated through exclusive events and feature publications. Please visit us online or contact a member of the team to discuss the various donor groups and the exclusive benefits relevant to your intended gift.

Would you like to help ensure the longevity of the Organ?

We are seeking at least 50 Organ Heroes to pledge to give smaller amounts on a monthly basis over a longer period. These donations will initially help support the current campaign, but once the refurbishment goal is reached, these regular donations will help fund the ongoing annual cost to maintain, clean, repair and tune the Organ so that it can be kept in the best possible condition to last the next 100 years.

The Memorial Hall Organ Campaign Committee David Dearman (MJH, HH, 80-87) Edward Rook (SHa, 50-54) Britt Holland Ellice, Director of Development Paul West, Director of Music If you are passionate about the future of the Memorial Hall Organ and interested in joining the Campaign Committee, you are most welcome to contact Britt Ellice, Director of Development on britt. ellice@bishopsstortfordcollege.org or 01279838655 to find out more about what is involved in taking part.

To discuss the Memorial Hall Organ Campaign, to become an Organ Hero or to donate another sum, please return the enclosed postcard, visit www.stortfordianfoundation. org/supportus, use the QR Code opposite or contact us on (44) 07483064346.

[1] Those who have already given to the Organ will be retrospectively included in the relevant donor groups. Donors who give less than £250 will be included in the impact report digitally and in hard copy but it is expected they may be too numerous to reasonably list on the plaque. Community fundraising donations, e.g., raffle entrants, will not be individually listed.

Professional evening music concert series in the Memorial Hall beginning Autumn 2022

A donor board in the memorial hall celebrating your gift and other specialised events depending on gift level participation

Join the regular donor club for those who pledge to support the Organ over a longer time Volunteer your time, share ideas or undertake an activity of your own to fundraise for the organ

OS News - Issue 142 June 2022

OS Sports Events OS Regain Hockey Trophy At last we were able to see an OS sporting team in action against the College once again! An afternoon of sunshine and showers made for the perfect conditions for the OS ladies hockey team to face the College X1. After a break of 2 years, the atmosphere was electric between the teams as the warm ups gave way to intense action on the pitch.

During the balmy evening which was well attended by spectators, both sides played with passion and intensity. The College side belied their youth and inexperience at this level by starting the game strongly and passed the ball through the lines with confidence and pace and were unlucky not to take the initial lead. As the College attacked, the College were vulnerable to the counterattack and it was from one of these attacks that the OS took the lead through Abbie Barrett (YH, 09-14, Staff, 17-19). The OS doubled their lead just before half time after a goal mouth scramble despite valiant efforts by the College goalkeeper Ibby W, only to be beaten on the 4th rebound!

The second half saw the OS side up their intensity and whilst the College’s defence stood firm they were unable to prevent the OS from adding to their lead. Showing exceptional teamwork despite never having previously played as a team, the 7-0 score line was in the OS’s favour, although the College team showed great promise and talent.

During an evening of top-flight hockey and displays of great talent, teamwork, grit and determination on the pitch, the spirit within

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which the game was played remained cordial and goodnatured. Captained valiantly by Mads Newitt (TH,YH, 16-20) the OS regained the trophy after 3 consecutive College wins.

OS Captain - Mads Newitt (TH,YH, 16-20)

Lizzy Tupman (PP,GH,AH, 07-21) - Goalie Dara Selway (PP,WH,TH, 07-21) Tabby Beaumont (PP,WH,TH, 07-21) Emelia Mitchell (PP,WH,YH, 07-21) Grace Latchford (TH,15-20) Hannah Burton (MJH,BH, 01-11) Zoe Barford (Staff, 15-19) Mads Newitt (Captain) (TH,YH, 16-20) Emma Povey (NH,AH,12-19) Megan Brown (NH,AH,11-18) Abbie Barrett (YH, 09-14, Staff, 17-19) Harriet Marsh (YH, 01-06) Lana Vitrovic (MJH,AH, 10-21)

Very special mention must go to our OS team who made great efforts to join us back on campus for the match and who played seamlessly as a team:

The 2022 match is taking place on Friday 2nd September – if you are interested in playing please get in touch: foundation@ bishopsstortfordcollege.org

OS Player of the Match: Harriet Marsh (YH, 01-06) College Player of the Match: Immy B Special mention to hugely talented College Goalie - Ibby W

OS News - Issue 142 June 2022

OS Sports Events Hugely talented OS Men’s Hockey team in Alumni tournament action!

Excellent effort by the Old Stortfordian Men’s Hockey team in September 2021 - missing out on the top placings by the narrowest of margins in the Haileybury Sixes Alumni Hockey Tournament. This prestigious tournament saw the OS team face contemporaries from other independent schools both locally and from further afield

whom they had played during their time at the College.

Huge thanks to the whole team for giving up their precious spare time to represent the OS, displaying their talent and sheer determination on the Astro throughout all the matches 2021 OS Men’s Hockey Team: Rob Adkins (WH, CH, 02-10)

Keir Ansell (NH, SH, RH, 11-18) Sam Bampton (PP, NH, HH, 97-10) Ryan Cruwys (MJH,HH,05-12) Elliot Hathaway (PP, WH, HH, 96-10) Alex Kirton (NH,HH,01-12) Andy Round (PP, WH, CH, 98-12) Captain Jack Wheaton (MJH, SH, 01-08) Harry Wilkinson (RPH, 08-13)

OS Water Polo Tournament 2022 Steve Ross (GH,SHa, 65-72) The water polo tournament on 23rd October was like oxygen to the sport - we were unable to hold the tournament last year owing to the lockdown, and this time was the first tournament that any of the teams had competed in.

It was also historic in that OSSC were there with three reserves, competed well and won a match against Cambridge University.

Colchester bought along a referee and secretary/timekeeper with all the electronic compliments of scoreboard and shot clocks, which hugely contributed to make the day run smoothly.

between Colchester, Ipswich and Enfield. In the end, Colchester ended up the champs, followed

by Enfield, Ipswich, OSSC and Cambridge University. Highest goal scorer went to Enfield and best goal scorer to our own Nick Reynolds, who also arranged the tournament with Steve Ross. John Bauer (Master BSC) won the Wiltshire trophy, a handicapped swimming race over two lengths.

OSSC Team Ed Horrocks (GH,AH, 84-91) Rik Horrocks (GH,AH, 83-90) Freddie Horrocks Kirill Stockmeier Matt Banham (HH,88-90) Ross Gardiner (MJH,CH, 04-12) Will Watson (MJH,CH, 09-17) Ben Porteous (GH,HH,09-20) Samuel Solway (WH, HH, 11-18) Nick Reynolds (HH,08-12)

The tournament could have been won by any of the other three sides, and it was nip and tuck

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OS News - Issue 142 June 2022

OS Sports Events OS Rugby match dedicated to Billy Hookway (HH,00-02) Brand new OS Rugby fixture failed to disappoint!

An outstanding afternoon of Rugby action on the pitch from two full squads of talented players, very well supported by spectators from across the College community. A brand new format of this fixture, with an OS under 23 Team facing an Over 23 Team and dedicated in memory of talented sportsman OS Billy Hookway (HH,00-02) with the winning Trophy proudly dedicated and presented in his name by his family to the victorious team. We were honoured to welcome along Billy’s Sister, Sarah Barrett (YH,9698) and her family and Billy’s parents, Alan and Wendy Hookway along with his daughter Leila to the Doggart. We were also joined on the touchlines by Billy’s College Head of Rugby Bob Kisby (73-11).

Billy was a key and hugely popular member of the legendary unbeaten College 1st XV Rugby team of 2001 and a very proud husband and father to four young daughters. He formed strong and lasting friendships during his time at the College and was liked and respected by all. A moving dedication to Billy’s life written by his College friend OS Tom FoulkesArnold (MJH,RPH,CH, 95-02) can be read within the obituaries.

We are very proud to announce the first recipients of the Billy Hookway Rugby Trophy to be.....

The OS Under 23 Team winning 37-15!!

Huge congratulations to the whole team and special thanks to Will Civil (PP,WH,CH, 03-17) & Jake Morris (WH,CH, 10-19) for rallying

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and Captaining the team and to Alex Swart-Wilson for acting as Team Manager. Many thanks and congratulations to:

explained how much it meant to the whole family to be involved in the fixture in Billy’s memory for many years to come.

Under 23’s Players of the Match: Jake Morris (WH, CH, 10-19) & James Basavaraj (MJH,SuH, 12-19)

The inaugural presentation of the Billy Hookway Trophy was made very professionally by Billy’s daughter Leila, niece Eliza and nephew Frank to the victorious Under 23’s Team Captains.

Over 23’s Player of the Match: Jack Bennett (SH,14-16) & James Rea (NH,CH,96-04) Over 23s Captain - Freddie Hatton (SH,14-16) Team Managers: Paul Bashford (MJH, GH, SH 77-86) & Alex Swart – Wilson (staff 2014-) Billy’s Sister Sarah (YH,96-98) spoke beautifully about Billy’s passion for Rugby, for life and for his family. Sarah thanked all the players and spectators for supporting the fixture and

An additional special thanks to OS David Evans (MJH,NH,SUH, 9202) for donating the Twickenham tickets for which a wonderful £300 was raised through the raffle for AMMF The Cholangiocarcinoma Charity (www.ammf.org.uk). The winning ticket was drawn by Billy’s father Alan and tickets were won

by Mr Morris, father of OS Under 23 Captain Jake Morris.

OS News - Issue 142 June 2022

OS Sports Events Jovial rivalry on fairways in annual OS vs College Staff Golf Tournament It was wonderful to be able to enjoy some al fresco competition on the golf course on Thursday 8th July as the OS faced our Staff/ former Staff golfers in our annual tournament at Bishop’s Stortford Golf Club.

It proved to be a thoroughly enjoyable day on the fairways and the rain held off until the final few holes. The tournament was played in great spirits with some outstanding performances from both teams.

Before the presentations were made, a wonderful dedication and toast was raised following the loss of OSGS stalwarts John Hickling (GH,SHa, 47-56) and Stuart Findlay (GH, SHa, 55-61) since our last tournament.

Gratitude was expressed for their years of dedicated service and their loss was acutely felt by all.

Huge thanks to all the players for taking part and congratulations to the 2021 prize winners: Tournament Results: Winning Team - College Staff/ Former Staff

Best Golfer - Paul Stanley (18-present) (score of 39)

Best effort - OS Godfrey Dutton (AH, 60-64)

Runner up Best Golfer - Graham Brooks (04-present) (score of 36)

‘Inaugural’ Female Player Christine Stanley (19-21)

Longest Drive - OS Ollie Lennie (RPH, 15-20)

OS Captain - OS James Greenall (GH,AH,65-74)

Nearest the pin - OS Peter Lennie (SH,72-75)

College Captain - Mark Self (03-present)

Polo 2021 It took to the dying minutes of the final chukka but OS emerge victorious 8-7 against Old Felstedians!

This was the closest contest yet, with outstanding play from both teams, but huge congratulations to the OS team!

OS Polo Team 2021 George Connor (PP,WH, RPH,95-09) William Vogel (MJH, SH, 84-92) Matthew Ige (RH, 18-20) Alec Banner-Eve (RPH, 02-07)

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OS News - Issue 142 June 2022

Class of 2001 celebrate 20th Reunion The weather on Sunday 25th July may have been unseasonably thundery and wet but it did nothing to dampen our spirits as we welcomed back a group of 2001 Leavers to celebrate their 20th Anniversary OS Reunion.

The reunion, the first hosted on campus in a record 21 months was the brainchild of OS Hinesh Rajani (MJH,HH, 90-01) and Charlie Bray (MJH,HH, 90-01) who were keen to gather together their contemporaries to mark this important anniversary. They both worked tirelessly to contact their year group, no matter at what stage they had left the College. Using their network to its full potential they turned to email, social media and LinkedIN to contact everyone they could to invite them along. Sadly covid travel and self-isolation restrictions meant that many were unable to travel to attend the event, including Charlie who was forced to self-isolate after a foreign work trip at very short notice. Despite the obstacles, the reunion was still

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full of laughter and the sharing of College memories, some verging on the more boisterous side of school days antics which made for all the more fun.

sent very best wishes to their contemporaries, some having reconnected for the first time in many years, such is the joy of school made relationships.

OS President Chris Forster (MJH, SuH, 82-90) and Director of Development, Britt Ellice, offered a warm welcome to all our guests and provided a positive update on OS Society activities, developments at the College over the past 20 years and looked forward towards our exciting Stortfordian Foundation plans for the future.

We are incredibly grateful to all who joined us for what was most definitely the highlight of our OS events calendar this year!

The Class of 2001 has definitely grown over the past two decades so it was a joy to see so many OS children making the most of the College facilities and grounds before the rain came! The timing of the informal tour of the campus couldn’t have been more perfectly timed, concluding just as the thunder gave way to heavy rain.

Although a select few were able to join us in person at the reunion, many other OS and former staff

We are especially grateful to Charlie and Hinesh and also to the OS President, Former Assistant Head & Benson Housemistress, Pauline Mullender for reconnecting with her past German students and two of her beloved Benson Girls and to Keith Irvine for joining us to reminisce with his past Geographers. A number of OS guests also donated towards the Stortfordian Bursary Campaign in advance of joining us and for this we are incredibly grateful.

We are already looking forward to welcoming back, hopefully covid restriction free, the wonderful Class of 2001 for their next significant anniversary – same time in 2026 or 2031 everyone?

OS News - Issue 142 June 2022

Glittering evening to celebrate Class of 2020 It was huge pleasure for the Head, Graham Brooks and Katie Banks to finally be able to host the long overdue Leavers Ball for our Class of 2020 last September.

Covid may have brought their time at the College to an unusual end but the spirits of last year’s Leavers and their Parents were far from dampened when they gathered on the famous Dixie Queen cruise boat on the Thames to celebrate in glittering style.

A unique opportunity to celebrate one year on from leaving made for lots of sharing of news and reminiscing amongst the 180 guests on board. The evening included a champagne reception, followed by a delicious meal and lots of dancing! The night was made for a hugely enjoyable night.

The night was made even more magical by Tower Bridge being lifted just for our boat to pass under as the night drew to a close.

We thank all who joined us on the big night and those who were unable to do so were very much in everyone’s thoughts and reminiscences.

The relationship with the College of the Class of 2020 is far from ending but instead merely entering an exciting new chapter and we look forward to where life takes them as they set off towards new opportunities and challenges.

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OS News - Issue 142 June 2022

Sutton vs Hayward 5-a-side football match Fergus Trim (GH, SH, SuH, 81-88)

that were always ‘a bit tasty’!

On a Saturday morning in November 2021 Storm Arwen had left a trail of destruction, as several of our number set off from Northumberland, Wales and Devon, dodging blizzards and fallen trees, to meet at Bishop’s Stortford College Sports Hall.

There was trepidation from those not traveling so far, but the fear of creaking limbs was less to do with shattered trees, but that most of us hadn’t played football for decades, and really should have known better!

Fast forward 33 years and we gathered again, first for an excellent tour of the new facilities

by Jennifer Law of the Stortfordian Foundation. Plenty had changed, but there was much that was still very familiar and the old stories soon started flowing. We bumped into Mr Jones, the current Grimwade Housemaster, who was kind enough to give us an impromptu tour of the house. This was particularly enjoyed by Fergus and Peter who were both former residents.

The Class of 88 enjoyed their footy. Mainly jumpers for goalposts on Middle Green, but when the new Sports Hall was opened in 1987 (the first new school building for many years), we could at last play proper indoor 5-a-side. Our year group initiated the first inter-house league. The Roll of Honour shows that the Masters team won the inaugural league in ’88 with School House winning the cup. However, it was the Sutton v Hayward games, the two day-boy houses at the time,

After the tour the real action started. After a nervous warm up, Hayward raced into an early lead.

Sutton didn’t panic and had clawed their way back into the game by half time. At last a breather, and great to have a chat with Mr Hudson, our sole spectator! Into the second half and the fitness levels were tested. Both sides exchanged goals, but it was Sutton who led 10-6 by the time the cry of ‘next goal wins’ went up.

This led to an extended period of renewed energy, end to end

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attacking and desperate defending, before Hayward’s Salah finally got the ‘golden goal’.

So, who won? The team that scored the most goals, or the team who scored the golden goal? This discussion went on over drinks and curry well into the night, before it was decided that to settle it, we would have to come back and do it all over again!

Sutton House Fergus Trim (GH, SH, SuH, 81-88) Peter Cleary (GH, RPH, SuH, 81-88) David Shrimpton (MJH,SuH, 82-89) Julian Knight (SuH, 84-89) Lee Dainton (SuH, 86-88) Hayward House Richard Davies (MJH,HH, 79-88) Andy Hope (MJH,HH,80-88) Salah Alfulaij (MJH,HH, 80-88) Alex Huff (MJH,HH, 80-87) Jonathan Jenkins (MJH,HH, 81-88) Paul Schofield (MJH,HH, 81-88)

OS News - Issue 142 June 2022

Mini Cricket Reunion Trailblazing Cricketers gather to honour 35th Anniversary of first British school tour to Sri Lanka.

An abbreviated article of “The Sri Lanka Cricket Tour 1985/86” which featured in the Spring 1986 Edition of “The Stortfordian” follows at the end of this article.

Honoured to share that there was a mini-reunion of some of the cricketers from the College’s trailblazing 1985/6 Cricket Tour of Sri Lanka recently. At the instigation of outstanding College cricketer Hareen Marceline (SH,85-87), a group of OS met with Former College Master David Hopper (Staff, 71-07) on 2nd October 2021 for a lovely lunch in Wickham St Paul, Essex.

Many stories of the Tour were

shared and all were grateful for the opportunity to be able to get back together to reminisce in person.

Present at the lunch: Paul Bashford (MJH,GH, SH, 77-86) Nigel Witherden (Staff, 76-19) Simon Hartnell (GH,AH, 78-86) Paul Brooker (MJH,HH, 79-86) Ashley Smith (MJH, SuH, 75-86) Luke Fishpool (GH,AH, 77-86)

of June and are keen to hear from anyone who might like to take part – please email the Foundation office at foundation@bishopsstortfordcollege. org to express your interest in getting involved.

Apologies received from: Tim Lucas (HH, 81-86) Duncan Barber (MJH,HH, 77-86) Hareen Marceline (SH,85-87) Paul Armitage (GH,HH,79-88) Charlie Wright (AH, 83-87) James Wright (AH, 83-87) Neil Wayman (SH, 82-87) The Sri Lankan Tour Cricketers are hoping to gather again at the end

1986 Sri Lankan Cricket Tour by David Hopper This is an abbreviated article taken from The Stortfordian Magazine Centenary Edition (Spring 1986), which also features an article by Guy Wilkinson on “An Encounter with Arthur C Clarke”. Both are available in the Archive section of The Stortfordian Foundation Portal.

Lord’s 1984. Wettimuny 190, Mendis 111, de Silva 102 not out… no need to ask further why I wanted to tour Sri Lanka.

Just as important as the cricket would be to learn something of the people, their history and their culture. I began by writing a few letters to possible opponents, but the Sri Lankans have little idea of time and letters remained unanswered. After a number of ideas yielded very little, the Headmaster agreed I could travel to Sri Lanka at Easter to set it all up!

As luck would have it, the father of one of the Junior School boys worked in the British High Commission in Colombo and using his home as a base, I travelled around the island setting up 14 fixtures over 26 days. The enthusiasm for the game was enormous – one school match had a crowd of 5000!

Upon my return to school, a committee of parents and masters came up with several fundraising ideas and eventually the cost of the tour stood at £550 per boy. The tour party comprised of 18 boys, 4 masters and one nurse. With help from my contacts in the British High Commission and despite a very unhelpful ITV documentary, I was able to ally any fears of an imminent Tamil uprising in the areas we were due to visit.

And what a tour it turned out to be! Ten nights staying with hosts from the schools gave the boys the flavour of the real Sri Lanka.

We broke even on results (played 11, won 4, drew 3 and lost 4). We were privileged to play 4 games on Test Match grounds and all games were remarkably well attended.

When we were not playing cricket, we were either playing golf, or visiting temples, game reserves, or Arthur C Clarke! We were given numerous receptions, including one by the President of the Sri Lankan Board of Control, who assembled almost all the Sri Lankan Test Match Team.

My abiding memories are of grinding poverty yet enormous hospitality. Our boys learnt much about resilience and keeping a sense of humour in time of adversity.

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OS News - Issue 142 June 2022

OS Piano Recital Last autumn we had a visit from a former Head Boy, Stephen Smithers (PP,GH,CH, 01-15), who although has not pursued music professionally, has certainly been keeping up with his piano scales since leaving the College.

Stephen was an exceptionally musical pupil and has been able to continue improving his keyboard skills to a remarkably high level.

Stephen performed at the College in preparation for an upcoming performance of Rachmaninoff’s Second Piano Concerto with the Saffron Walden Symphony Orchestra.

Stephen was in fine form and displayed an incredible amount of virtuosity and lyricism in his playing. From the quiet opening

bell-like sounds of the first few bars, to the explosive festive finale, Stephen was able to bring to life with panache and excitement this famous concerto. One of the highlights was his interpretation of the second movement, which required delicate touch and intelligent phrasing. From my seat

at the second piano, it was at times hard to keep up with Stephen’s brisk tempi and he certainly made me work hard to try to match the quality of his playing.

Iago Núñez Teacher of Music

Celebrating milestone birthday of cherished former Head of Music It was our great honour to welcome back much loved and hugely respected former Head of Music (1959-64), Christopher Bishop and some of the pupils whom he inspired to the campus to celebrate Christopher’s upcoming 90th Birthday.

Initiated by OS Francis Lambert (GH,SHb,53-62) a late afternoon event incorporating a gentle stroll around the College Theatre and Music Departments, a buffet reception and culminating in the enjoyment of the College choral concert was hosted on Thursday 24th March, just one week before Mr Bishop celebrated his 90th Birthday on 1st April.

Christopher Bishop is credited with invigorating and expanding the music department during his tenure

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at the College and fostering great talent within the pupils he taught.

OS for whom he was an inspiration have shared a common feeling that Christopher sparked in them a lifelong love and appreciation of music, many playing on to very high and often international standards,

long after the end of their time at the College.

An evening of reminiscing, respect and beautiful choral performances, the perfect way to pay homage to such a talented and inspirational teacher and musician.

OS News - Issue 142 June 2022

2022 Old Stortfordian Diamond Dinner We were delighted to welcome Old Stortfordians to Bishop’s Stortford College on a Friday evening in late March, in celebration of the Diamond Dinner.

We were thrilled that Janet Elliott and her son Mark (MJH, SuH, 69-76) were able to join us as our special guests. Janet’s late husband Maurice (DBH, GH, 43-48) who sadly passed away in January, first established the dinner in celebration of Old Stortfordians who are aged 60 and older some years ago.

This was the first time in three years that this event has been held and we were especially pleased to be able to host the Diamond Dinner for the very first time at the College.

Old Stortfordians who attended the College between 1943 and 1979 shared riveting tales of schoolboy exploits and happy memories and it was fascinating to hear their tales and see the wonderful camaraderie that exists between them.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back for next year’s Diamond Dinner on 24th March 2023!

OS Guests Janet Elliott Guest of Honour Michael Baim (SHb, 58-62) John Bolland (GH, HH, 54-63) Jack Davies (SHa, 50-57) Paul Fishpool (GH,AH, 53-61) David Hogsflesh (SH, 57-62) Ed Inglis (GH, AH, 51-59) Norman Livings (GH,SHb, 55-62) Richard Price (GH,HH, 54-63) Bryan Tucker (SH, 74-79)

Neil Arnold (GH, SHb, 62-68) Frank Bennett (GH, SHa, 54-62) Laurence Brittain (MJH, HH, 69-76) Mark Elliott (MJH, SuH, 69-76) Paul Hickling (GH, SHa, 56-63) Jack Hulbert (AH,SH, 45-49) John Liddell (GH, AH, 43-49) Tim Moore (GH,RPH, 53-60) John Tedder (RPH, 59-63)

A visit 3 decades in the making A real pleasure to welcome OS Esben London (GH,83-86) and his girlfriend for his first visit to the College in 30 years! Esben (Class of 1990) boarded in Grimwade in the Prep School before returning to his native Denmark to complete his education at a similar boarding school.

We braved the chilly March weather to walk the campus and see some very familiar sites, even if they did seem much smaller to Esben now! We also took the opportunity to see the newer additions on campus and share Esben’s College memories as we strolled. Sporting experiences were a highlight during Esben’s time at the College and he proudly showed off his cherished 80 Club silver spoon.

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OS News - Issue 142 June 2022

OS Isle of Man SW Tour 2021, 22-24 October A group of 11 gathered in Topsham, near Exeter for an excellent weekend, primarily to see the Exeter Chiefs play London Irish in the Premier League. The group comprised OS predominantly from the 1960s, a number of whom had bonded over an annual visit to the Isle of Man Hockey Festival from 1973-83, which was organised by APP Smith. Peter resuscitated the group 9 years ago when we visited Teignmouth, Devon.

This morphed into an annual trip initially to Bath before moving to Exeter in 2017. As a result of Covid, it was 30 months since the group had gathered so there was a lot of catching up to be done.

The format for the weekend starts with the golfers playing a couple of rounds on the Friday, with the non-golfers arriving that evening for the opening dinner. We stay at the Globe Hotel in Topsham, which is conveniently located for Sandy Park where the Chiefs play their rugby.

Topsham is a beautiful, large village at the head of the Exe estuary, well connected to Exeter by bus and train.

As you can imagine, after such a long gap, Friday evening passed extremely quickly and comfortably

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in the Globe. The golfers were very pleased that they had played with Test Match Special commentator (and former Test cricketer) Vic Marks so were full of that.

Saturday began gently after an excellent evening before the party gathered for lunch at The Bridge Inn, famous for being one of the very few pubs in the country that the Queen has visited. From there it was off to Sandy Park for the match. Surprisingly London Irish comfortably beat the Chiefs 21-33, who are not having a good season especially by their normal standards, in an excellent game for neutrals and Irish supporters. It was then back to the Globe for the evening once the taxis had been located.

On Saturday evenings it has become a tradition to have a wine tasting before dinner, which Charlie Abrams, former BSC master, local resident and keen Exeter Chiefs supporter also joined. This years test was organised by Fingers Chown, who spends a lot of time in France.

He set us a very tough test with predominantly French wines (I had never heard of Carignan and Mouvedre) nor permitted easy

points, e.g. for colour, but despite low scoring, his selections were very much enjoyed.

During the evening, we were visited

by OS Martin Harvey (GH,SuH, 65-72) who lives in Topsham and whom we first met by chance in the Bridge on our first visit back in 2017.

On our last visit, he had very kindly entertained us to dinner so it was great to see him.

We departed on Sunday morning after another superb weekend among wonderful people. Much thanks to Peter Smith for his brilliant organisation and to my friend Duncan Beck for both arranging the golf (including celebrity) and securing tickets for the rugby.

The party - Abrams C (Master, 69-83), Carter CJ (GH,SH,64-71), Goodchild RN (GH, SHa,60-67), Ireland J (MJH,HH, 69-78) Minto W (GH,SuH, 64-73)) Murdoch G (GH,HH,62-69), Norris CM (GH,SH, 60-68), Smith APP (AH, 64-68) Non-OS – Banks R, Beck DR, Bennett P, Chown R, Griffiths G & Prowse J (Staff, 07-16) Robin Goodchild

OS News - Issue 142 June 2022

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OS Events Programme 2022-23 Saturday 25th June

Old Stortfordian School House Opening Event for School House OS & Collett House OS

Sunday 26th June

Foundation Family Fun Day 2022, Witherden Field, 2pm – 6pm

Friday 30th June

Sunflowers at Sundown (Trotman OS), Bishop’s Stortford College, 6.30pm – 8pm

Thursday 7th July

OS vs College Staff annual Tournament – Bishop’s Stortford Golf Club

Wednesday 23rd November Giving Day Tuesday 6th December

OS Committee Meeting, Bishop’s Stortford College, 7.30pm

Saturday 10th December

Music Concert

Sunday 11th December

OS Rugby, Witherden Field

Friday 16th December

OS Christmas Drinks, 6.30pm – 8.30pm

Friday 27th January

Networking Drinks

Friday 3rd February

Music Concert

Friday 2nd September

OS v College Ladies Hockey Match, Bishop’s Stortford College, 6.30pm

Tuesday 7th February

OS Committee Meeting, Bishop’s Stortford College, 7.30pm

Saturday 3rd September

Stortfordian Walkway Stone Reception

Saturday 4th March

Gala Dinner 2023

Saturday 10th September

OS 10 Year Reunion (2010, 2011, 2012 Leavers) 11am – 3.30pm

Friday 17th March

OS Netball

Sunday 18th September

Haileybury Sixes – Alumni Hockey Tournament (hosted at Haileybury College)

Tuesday 21st March

OS Committee AGM Meeting, Bishop’s Stortford College, 6.30pm

Friday 24th March

Diamond Dinner

Tuesday 27th September

OS Committee Meeting, Bishop’s Stortford College, 7.30pm

Friday 21st April

Collett House 25th Anniversary Reunion, 5pm – 9pm

Thursday 29th September

OS 50th Anniversary Reunion (1970, 1971, 1972 Leavers) Bishop’s Stortford College, Ferguson Lecture Theatre, 11am – 3.30pm

Thursday 11th May

1868 Luncheon

Wednesday 17th May

Networking Drinks

Saturday 20th May

Robert Pearce House Centenary Event

Saturday 24th June

Memorial Hall Centenary

Sunday 25th June

Foundation Family Fun Day 2023, Witherden Field, 2pm – 6pm

Thursday 6th July

OS Golf Society Spring Meeting – Bishop’s Stortford Golf Club

Friday 7th October

Music Concert

Saturday 15th October

OS Water Polo Tournament, Bishop’s Stortford College, 11am

Thursday 3rd November

Networking Drinks

Friday 11th November

Remembrance Service, 10am

Dates subject to change

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